Even the international break can’t stop the Royals from playing. An away trip to Wycombe Wanderers brings back a familiar face to watch in Jayden Wareham, who Reading are keen to show they have replaced, despite him playing well last season and in this one so far.
Reading have already beaten Wycombe this season, on penalties in the EFL Trophy, with the game ending 1-1 in normal time. There are three Royals players on international break: starter Andy Rinomhota, energetic Charlie Savage and solid Jeriel
Dorsett.
Wycombe have always provided a tough challenge for Reading, with matches finishing either in a draw or with one goal between the teams. The last league fixture finished 3-2 to the Royals, but both sides have improved this year and it will be another good game.
Wycombe are currently 14th in the league, compared to Reading’s eighth, but there is only one point between the two sides. The league is so close this year, anything can happen.
On Saturday September 26, Adams Park hosts the mighty Royals taking on Wycombe. The game starts at 3pm, with the weather looking to be around 19 degrees, showing a bit of cloud. It will be referee Tom Reeves who brings this one in. He averages 3.8 yellow cards per match and 22.2 fouls.
The previous league outing between the two sides finished in a 3-2 victory for the Royals, with Jack Marriott getting a hat-trick to cancel out Anders Hagelskjaer and Dan Casey’s goals.
In this preview I will briefly analyse the two teams and I will give my predictions.
Analysis
Lets start with the home team.
Wycombe have scored three goals in their last five matches. This is a major problem for the home team. Their attacks seem to come from set-pieces and the strikers not having shots on target is an issue.
I haven’t been watching Wycombe this season, so I’m unsure whether it is the strikers or the passing lanes from the midfielders that is the issue. Their joint-top scorers are Wareham, Casey, Cauley Woodrow and Fred Onyedinma with two goals each. Yes, not everyone is Jack Marriott scoring eight times, but the attackers have to start doing more, surely.
It was Casey that scored the only goal in their last match, against Wigan Athletic. A man-of-the-match performance from the defender kind of shows the problems I have described. Wycombe had 11 shots in the game, but just one on target. This needs to improve if they want to get anywhere this season.
Now onto Reading.
The Royals have the leading scorer and assister this season in Marriott and Kyreece Lisbie respectively. Goals are not the problem they may face in this game.
The loss of Rinomhota may be the problem. He has been our best midfielder this season so far – his work-rate is amazing and he is defensively solid.
Liam Fraser has played well in the cup games but can he do it where it matters? He and Lewis Wing played well together last season but he was ultimately dropped for Charlie Savage.
Neither team are very dominant in possession but rely a lot on their midfield to create chances for the strikers.
George Earthy, once again, could be the difference. His ability to find pockets of space, working almost as a shadow striker behind Marriott, is key for how Reading set up. He is probably the best player we’ve had at the club in a while. He reminds me of the work-rate Liam Kelly had when he played for us.
Both teams have some improvements to get to where they want to be, but it is Reading who appear to be the stronger side at the moment. If Wycombe are able to sort out their goals problem they will be a good side this season.
My predictions
Joel Pereira will start in goal.
Udoka Godwin-Malife, Paudie O’Connor, Benn Ward and Haydon Roberts will be the back line.
Wing and Fraser will sit in front.
Lisbie, Earthy and Paddy Lane will be the attacking midfielders.
Marriott will be the lone striker.
Score prediction: 3-1 Royals!
I will talk about him more in the next one, but Lane is someone who has improved his game massively. He is looking so good and I half expect him to get a goal contribution in this one.
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
