Reading Preview - Saturday Oct 20 - Ewood Park 3:00 Pm Kickoff

[ManicRover]

BLACKBURN ROVERS FC vs. READING FC

EWOOD PARK - October 20, 2007 - Kickoff 15:00

Historical

Blackburn and Reading have met a mere nine times in history; eight league games and one FA Cup tie. Rovers have won 3, lost 1 and 5 have ended in draws. Since there are so few matches between the clubs, here is the history in full:

13-05-2007 English Premier Blackburn 3-3 Reading

16-12-2006 English Premier Reading 1-2 Blackburn

02-05-1988 Div 2 (old) Blackburn 1-1 Reading

28-11-1987 Div 2 (old) Reading 0-0 Blackburn

14-04-1987 Div 2 (old) Blackburn 0-0 Reading

04-10-1986 Div 2 (old) Reading 4-0 Blackburn

19-04-1980 Div 3 (old) Blackburn 4-2 Reading

01-12-1979 Div 3 (old) Reading 1-1 Blackburn

22-02-1913 FA Cup Reading 1-2 Blackburn

(Info from soccerbase.com)

Last Season

Dec 16/06 - RFC 1 (Harper) BRFC 2 (McCarthy, Bentley)

• John Oster had just come on as a sub when he gifted the ball to Bentley to give Rovers the win

May 13/07 - BRFC 3 (McCarthy, Bentley, Derbyshire) RFC 3 (Seol, Doyle, Gunnarsson)

• Rovers and Reading closed out the season with a memorable draw

This Season

Following the October international break, Rovers step back into action at Ewood against Reading FC. For most, Reading were the surprise package of the 2006-07 season, finishing 8th in their first season in England's top Division. It's been a slightly different story so far in 2007-08 with Reading going into the break with 10 points (3-1-5) from nine games and sitting in 12th place.

Rovers go into the break with 15 points (4-3-1) in eight games, good enough for 6th place.

The Match

Injuries

Reading - Bobby Convey, John Oster and Mikkel Andersen have missed games recently. Glen Little and Kalifa Cisse are expected to be out for a prolonged period with major injuries. Ibrahima Sonko appears likely to play at this point.

Blackburn - Steven Reid will miss the match of course. Jason Roberts and Roque Santa Cruz appear questionable to start. Ryan Nelsen and Robbie Savage have both been cleared to play.

View from the Royals

My wife's cousin James is a massive Royals fan and season ticket holder. Here are a few of his thoughts on the upcoming match.

1. Reading has had a struggling start to the season. Any thoughts as to what the cause has been?

Certainly RFC have struggled this season and are conceding more goals than last season. I think in the close season we did not buy enough players to cover all areas. Also we were an unknown club - new to the Premiership and that the other teams did not know our playing style - but now I think they have a good idea.

2. How much has Sidwell been missed?

I think most RFC fans would say Sidders has been missed. Some players in midfield have not performed to their potential, but Coppell has been good to try new things and work well with those he has got.

3. Who are Reading’s unsung heroes?

Unsung heroes? I think Bikey is an unsung hero. He has played well in defence and always gets stuck in. Also Ivar Ingimarrsson can play well in defence and works hard. Murty is a fans favourite together with Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hanneman!

4. What areas of the team does Reading need to try and address in the January transfer window?

I think that Shorey will leave for West Ham in January, but I think we could do more in defence and midfield.

5. Are there any good chants Rovers fans could expect to hear from Reading traveling supporters?

Good chants... well we hate the Man Utd chants and avoid to copy. Chants such as 'He's MURTY, MURTY' ' Stevie Coppells barmy army'

6. Rovers and Reading have only met a handful of times in their histories. Is there a match between the clubs that stands out for you?

The 3-3 draw at Ewood Park probably because RFC needed to win to get into Europe and we were so close... but WHAT A GAME!!!

7. What are your thoughts about the Rovers team this season?

I hope that Rovers do well and that they can emulate their achievements from last year. It was disappointing to see them get knocked out of the UEFA cup so early on. Mark Hughes has got a good set up at Ewood Park and they are a team in the Prem that should do well.

8. What Rover would you most like to see play for Reading?

David Bentley is a good player and I'd be happy to see him in an RFC shirt. Also Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire. Blackburn are a good team with some exceptional players.

9. Your prediction for the match?

An away fixture for RFC so I'd be happy with a draw, probably 1-1. But I reckon Rovers could do us 2-1. It would be amazing / crazy if the game ends up like RFC vs. Portsmouth!

My Prediction

Rovers did well against Reading last year and I would expect that to continue. I'll go to 2-0 for the Rovers with goals from Samba and MGP.

Hope you have enjoyed my first ever match preview...I'll turn discussion over to you...

[1864roverite]

I personally think this could be a struggle for Rovers especially if RSC is missing which we expect.

I just dont see Benni Mac playing anything like RSC does and for me Roves may come up short up front.

0-0 bore draw for me

[daren]

Reading are not playing well at all at the moment, and Blackburn are on a good run of form in the premiership. I reckon a Rovers win, 3-1. I won't guess the scorers, I never get them right.

[b12_simon]

Good review.

Reading seem pretty weak away from home.

2-0 Rovers, both from a fully fit RSC

[ABBEY]

Did r eading not stick 5 past us when saxton was in charge?? we got there at half time and was told it was 2-0 and i remember 3 more goals unless after 20 years (jesus 20 years???surely not) i didnt know id been told the wrong score

[Oklahoma]

We'll win 2-0. Bentley and MGP score.

[bblue]

Very well documented preview. I think I'll go with a 1-1 score prediction on this one.

[gazsimm]

2-0 rovers bennie double for me

[Hughesy]

This is the type of game we should be winning easily.

3-0 for me!

[Ronin]

Good preview!

Will go for a Rovers win, of course. Hoping all our players come back after the International break intact and Cruz is fully rested too to ping the goals in.

[frosty]

Comfortable 2-0, Reading aren't half the team they were last season (well so far!)

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Benni to shine.

3-1 to Rovers.

[Rovermatt]

Reading have looked very ropey this season. We should do them 2-0.

[Daremz]

I personally think this could be a struggle for Rovers especially if RSC is missing which we expect.

I just dont see Benni Mac playing anything like RSC does and for me Roves may come up short up front.

0-0 bore draw for me

RSC won't play.

Doyle to score the only goal. 0-1.

[joey_big_nose]

Cruz is pretty crucial to the way we play, without him we will require a bit of adjustment. And is Roberts fit? Physio room says 20th October for his return...

[92er]

On a related posting,it says Derbyshire might be out on Saturday.

[Dunnfc]

2-0 to rovers with Gamst and Rigters if hes playing

[Presty On Tour]

5-0 rovers

emerton

mgp

savage

mCcarthy

bentley

[Oakland]

Nice preview!

3-1

Benni x2

Bentley

[den]

Nelsen and Savage fit, RSC might be fit.

[Blueboy Downunder]

i think the lads, along with the fans will be anxious to get back into league action. i will be watching the game live on tv and i think we should win the game, but jsut a matter of what score....2-0 would be lovely, with warnock and samba the scores.

[Cocker]

Some nice comments from Leroy - click

[Bazzanotsogreat]

A must Win game for us, with some difficult games coming up

3-1 Rovers

Derbs,Benni & MGP for us, Kitson for them

attendance sub 20k

[Baz]

Some nice comments from Leroy - click

If I remember correctly Boa-Morte went in with a late 2 footed challenge on Ryan Nelsen - Craig Short reacted by pushing him - result- straight red for Craig Short in his final game for us and a yellow for Boa

A few minutes later Savage tackled Rosenior who reacted by shoving Savage to the floor - result - red card for Rosenior.

Not that would stop most journalists blaming Savage......its not a good story otherwise is it?

[philipl]

I would be incredibly happy if we beat Reading by three goals more than Pompey beat Wigan and Liverpool fail to beat Everton.