That one hurt a bit. Losing to bottom of the league Wigan Athletic, and not playing how we know we can, it’s annoying. But we are back at home, George Earthy’s closer to returning and the spirits are still high, so there’s always hope.
Leyton Orient have started pretty well – ninth place after 10 games – and they seem to always give Reading a good game. Richie Wellens is a great suit for them, he always gets his players to give their all on the pitch and some players this season have been quality.
It’s a Wednesday night game, October 21, kicking off at 8pm. It’s live on Sky Sports Main Event – I know right, we’re big!
It will be at the beautiful Select Car Leasing Stadium, which hopefully should be full thanks to you lot. Refereeing this game will be Ben Toner. He averages 5.5 yellow cards per game and 29.2 fouls, which are both above average.
In this preview I will mention key players from each side that I think will have an impact on this game, and of course I will give my predictions.
Key players
Here are two players from each side who I think stand out in their respective teams.
Yusuf Akhamrich is a player I’ve kept my eye on for a while. I watched him in Premier League 2 a couple seasons ago and he was incredible.
Last season for Bristol Rovers he scored six goals and got one assist in 19 games. But it’s his off-the-ball play that catches my eye.
Like most wingers he has pace, he has technical ability, but it’s his runs that get me. He has a great ability to get in between the full-back and the centre-back and ping a ball across the box. He is one to watch and I think he will prove himself to be a great League One player when he warms up a bit.
The second player for Leyton Orient is Alex Gilbert. He’s only played five games, but with one goal and one assist, he has made that attacking-midfield position his own.
His passing is unbelievable. Jack Marriott would have a field day with him behind him. Gilbert is a great asset to the team and I can see him getting a goal contribution in this one.
Now onto Reading.
Paddy Lane has been on a mad one this season. He has become one of our best players and I’m not seeing many plaudits. That left-hand side is his position.
He is so naturally good at the game, it’s really fun to watch. He has a peach of a left foot and he is so key to how we play at the moment.
Lastly, Josh Stokes. He’s been a great replacement while Earthy is injured, but I would really like to see them play together. A slight change of formation to accommodate both of them would go really well.
Man of the match against MK Dons and with very good performances against Bradford City and Wycombe Wanderers, he will make an impact in this one as well.
My predictions
Joel Pereira will be in goal.
Udoka Godwin-Malife, Paudie O’Connor, Conor Masterson and Haydon Roberts will be the defence. Jeriel Dorsett cannot play. He has made too many mistakes that have cost us points.
Lewis Wing and Andy Rinomhota will be the holding midfielders.
Kyreece Lisbie, Stokes and Lane will be the attacking three.
Jamie Reid will be the front man.
Score prediction: 2-1 Reading!
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
