When : Saturday 22nd December 2018, 3pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161
As Reading’s wreck of a season continues to crash and burn Middlesbrough roll into town. Odds on defeat expected by almost everyone and therefore a poor start for Mr Gomes or Mr Parkinson or possibly, more likely, more of the same for Mr Marshall
Middlesbrough sit sixth in the table having suffered just 4 defeats all season. They have a goal difference of +8 but what should be the main worry is that they have conceded fewer goals (16) than any other team in the division. On the upside Middlesbrough don’t score very many either being the 19th lowest scorers currently. Even Reading have managed to score more.
Now is the best time to play them though as they have suddenly hit their poorest form of the season with just 2 draws to show for the efforts applied in the last 4 games. Just for once it would be nice for Reading to be able extend that sort of opponent’s playing record rather than let them put it all to right.
Injury wise Reading’s tale of misery continues with now McIntyre rated a doubt due to concussion so we could be seeing Blackett partnering Osho for the big game presuming one or more of Moore, Ilori or McShane are still crocked. Meite, it is hoped, will be available and at least Bod is now back.
Something of a very difficult game ahead. Not really likely to get much harder than this one at home so let’s make sure and help the team as much as possible through some loud positive support right from the off.
Referee
Steve Martin is scheduled for this one
Previously....
14 Apr 2018 > Reading 2-2 Sunderland
27 Feb 2018 > Nottm Forest 1-1 Reading
11 Dec 2017 > Reading 2-2 Cardiff City
23 Sep 2017 > Reading 1-1 Hull City
26 Aug 2017 -> Birmingham City 0-2 Reading
24 Jan 2017 > Reading 1-0 Fulham
15 Oct 2016 > Queen's Park Rangers 1-1 Reading
15 Mar 2016 > Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Reading
23 Jan 2016 > Reading 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
19 Sep 2015 > Bristol City 0-2 Reading
25 Mar 2014 > Reading 1-3 Barnsley
Historically
15 previous seasons so 15 previous visits from the ‘boro. Those 15 games have worked out fairly even so far with 5 Reading wins, 6 draws and 4 wins for Middlesbrough. Let’s hope it isn’t too symmetrical a record after the final whistle.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel to the Mad Stad
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)