[Archived] Rovers V Reading Sun 20Th Dec

[G Somerset Rover]

PL knows we need more strength in depth, he's said as much on several occasions. We just need to 'wee with the willy we've got' until January and then see what can be done about it. I'd definitely look to bring Lawrence on at some stage today as he'd no doubt give tiring defenders a nightmare.

Looking forward to the game. Funny feeling Koita will break his duck today.

[grizfoot]

Will be a bit of a flashback for the Reading fans seeing Guthrie & Akpan line-up in the same midfield! Hopefully they'll be extra determined to have a good game against their former club. Think it is our best central midfield combination and we saw a little bit of how well the compliment each other in the first half against Forest.

[oldjamfan1]

If you recall the Reading fans forums had very few good things to say about either Akpan or Guthrie, particularly the former, so no doubt they will be confident of running right through us today. Thankfully football rarely works out like that so we have a fighting chance. Too close to call though, this one. Like others, I too have a sneaky feeling Koita will break his duck today, probably with a scuffer or a deflection. COYB!!

[AdamRochina]

Vydra and blackman we need to look out for today

[DE.]

Why has Lawrence suddenly been benched in favour of Koita? Seems weird that a couple of weeks ago Koita was below Brown in the pecking order, and now he's above Lawrence... is it a fitness thing with Lawrence, or does Lambert just want a big striker to compliment Rhodes?

[G Somerset Rover]

Delfouneso is here warming up despite not being in the squad. Unless my eyes are playing up I can't see Koita - he certainly isn't warming up with our forwards (and boy could he do with shooting practice!).

Edit: Koita is here. Why on earth doesn't he do shooting practice with the other forwards?!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

You could argue that's our strongest eleven. I'm pleased we are doing our best to get some continuity by not chopping and changing.

A team of average guys who've been playing together for a good while will always beat a team of good players who've only just met.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Common the blue n whites!

[Spalding Rover]

has anyone had any luck finding the game online?

[tomphil]

Just looked on the on line eticket thing and Boxing day doesn't look that much busier than usual so far. Hopefully a good result today will get a few more down on what should traditionally be a big turnout regardless.

[chor808]

has anyone had any luck finding the game online?

No. Unless someone else has not on.

[chaddyrovers]

Why has Lawrence suddenly been benched in favour of Koita? Seems weird that a couple of weeks ago Koita was below Brown in the pecking order, and now he's above Lawrence... is it a fitness thing with Lawrence, or does Lambert just want a big striker to compliment Rhodes?

Lambert is looking for a Physical striker up front with Rhodes.

wouldn't be surprise if we sign a target man striker in January

[Koitaman]

Looking at readings line up, they have good players. Obviously just need proper leadership to halt the underachieving.

[AJW]

Lambert is looking for a Physical striker up front with Rhodes.

wouldn't be surprise if we sign a target man striker in January

. I agree and I think Lambert alluded to liking a big target man when speaking about Wilbraham recently but in the meantime Think Brown will feature over Xmas and New Year fixtures

[chaddyrovers]

Koita misses a great chance from 8 yds.

[DE.]

Koita misses a great chance from 8 yds.

Same as usual then.

[chor808]

Dam

[chaddyrovers]

1 nil Reading

[philipl]

Now an uphill battle for us.

[Koitaman]

No 1-0 win then. Reality check coming up I think..

[Pedro]

Rhodes needs to turn up today.

[oldjamfan1]

First time we've been behind under Lambert. Be interesting to see what he does (if anything)

[AdamRochina]

Koita misses sitter , then they score a worldie. .big test now first time we have conceded first under lambert

Will we crumble to a 2-0 3-0 or rally for a point

[Koitaman]

Just seen goal on SSN. Suspect keeping for me.

[BlooBoy]

No stopping that ! ..Guthrie not tracking his man .