Usually coming off the back of a 0-0 would be a bit of a weird one. But the Royals played very well against promotion-fighting Plymouth Argyle and are looking like a very well put-together team.
It was quite an even match between fifth and sixth place: 13 shots each, four shots on target each. It was an exciting game to watch. Reading were fighting towards the end and it’s so nice to see.
Oxford United also drew their last game, but it was more of a disappointing result than Reading’s, playing Barnsley,
23rd in the league. Oxford are playing awful football with a pretty good team. They are however on a good run of form with them being third in the league.
The last two games between the sides both finished 1-1, with the teams very even in both.
The Kassam Stadium holds 12,500 so I expect the Reading fans to be at full volume in this one. It will be nine degrees so wrap up, but it will also be available on Sky Sports + at 19:45.
Darren Drysdale will be the referee for this one. He averages 3.7 yellow cards per match and 21.7 fouls. His last game was Notts County vs Stockport County, in which he gave six yellow cards.
In this preview I will compare the two managers and how they set up the teams against each other, and I will give my predictions.
The bosses
It is Aaron Ramsey that is in charge of Oxford United. That makes me feel ridiculously old. The Welsh legend is a tactical mastermind when it comes to his team, a bit like he was when he was a player.
He sets up Oxford in a very similar way Leam Richardson sets up Reading.
They both use the 4-2-3-1 as, in my opinion, it is the most versatile formation. It is one of the only setups that allows both six players in defence and attack.
The key players in this formation are the wingers. Kyreece Lisbie and Randell Williams for Reading, and Luka Lynch and Siriki Dembele for Oxford. If the wingers are off-form, the whole formation breaks down.
The aim is to get the ball out wide for the wingers to make a decision as to whether they cut inside or cross it. This is where the teams differ.
Mark Harris is taller than Jack Marriott, so Oxford favour crosses a lot more than Reading do. Reading tend to cut inside, play the ball to the player in attacking midfield, for them to slide the ball into Marriott for him to score (again).
I think it will be a tactically even match, but the Royals could edge it due to the wider experience from Richardson.
My predictions
Joel Pereira will be in goal.
Udoka Godwin-Malife, Josh Knight, Paudie O’Connor and Haydon Roberts will be the defence.
Lewis Wing and Andy Rinomhota will be the defensive midfield.
Lisbie, Josh Stokes and Williams will be the attacking trio.
Jack Marriott will be up front (finally).
Score prediction: 1-0 Reading!
Good luck to those going to the game.
Be louder than them and be careful, there are more than likely going to be fights and that’s not something you guys should be getting involved in.
Come on you Royals!
