Reading vs watford match thread

READING FCvs WATFORDFC​

• This is the 97th league meeting, with Reading leading by 38 wins to 37. • When these clubs last competed against each other in the Championship in the season before last, both matches were won by the club playing away from home. • Reading are unbeaten under Nigel Adkins this term (they won 2-1 at home to Ipswich and drew 1-1 away to Bolton), recovering all four points from losing positions. • Watford last season's most prolific Championship club with 85 goals are already the top scorers this term (going into the weekend), with Troy Deeney netting four of their seven. • The last time the Hornets won the first three matches of a Championship season, in 1998, they went on to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Winger Jimmy Kebe has returned to training following his groin injury but is still unavailable along with long-term absentee Jason Roberts (hip).

Watford have no new injury concerns, new signing Essaid Belkalem from Granada is unlikely to feature.

 

Cagey match between 2 top teams settled by a set piece from an Angel

 

Thanks Dan! A few bits on the game.

• This is the 97th league meeting, with Reading leading by 38 wins to 37.
• When these clubs last competed against each other in the Championship in the season before last, both matches were won by the club playing away from home.
• Reading are unbeaten under Nigel Adkins this term (they won 2-1 at home to Ipswich and drew 1-1 away to Bolton), recovering all four points from losing positions.
• Watford last season's most prolific Championship club with 85 goals are already the top scorers this term (going into the weekend), with Troy Deeney netting four of their seven.
• The last time the Hornets won the first three matches of a Championship season, in 1998, they went on to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Winger Jimmy Kebe has returned to training following his groin injury but is still unavailable along with long-term absentee Jason Roberts (hip).

Watford have no new injury concerns, new signing Essaid Belkalem from Granada is unlikely to feature.

 

Good to see some red back in our name

 

Today's team:

Almunia; Doyley, Angella, Ekstrand; Faraoni, Abdi, Iriney, McGugan, Anya; Deeney, Forestieri.

subs: Bond (GK), Brown, Pudil, Smith, Battocchio, Acuna, Fabbrini.

 

Ekstrand in for Cassetti who has a foot injury

 

Consistent line ups so far in the league, only change made due to injury.

Big game today, playing a team that has just come down from the Prem away from home. Let's see what we are made of.

Cheers for the thread Dan.

 

Reading team: McCarthy (GK); Gunter, Bridge, Morrison, Pearce; Karacan, Guthrie, Drenthe, McAnuff (c); Blackman, Le Fondre

subs: Federici, Kelly, Mariappa, Williams, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Pogrebnyak

The drug rumours look to have been untrue...

 

Watford wearing today.

Apparently yellow and black clashes with blue and white.

 

Phew, made it.

Rain in Reading. What is that?

 

Come on U'Orns

 

PL ref. I wonder if he will be any good?

Game kicks off on time.

Reading started quickly, but Watford are trying to slow matters down.

 

Reading win the first corner of the afternoon. Almunia comes and catches.

 

What the heck is that 'canned' shouting that keeps popping up?

 

Hi , not many members on the thread. I'm working so won't be contributing much, sorry.

 

The traveling fans are in good voice. Lets hope they can keep it up.

 

Premier league ref gives what Jon marks considers a soft free kick. Alumina punches only half clear and Le Fonda scores the opening goal

 

Bugger

 

Reading take the lead when Almunia punches a crossed ball.

 

The goal was well taken by Adam Le Fondre.

Watford need to respond now by getting their passing game going.