MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

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Sutekh
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MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Sutekh » 14 Dec 2021 14:08




When : Saturday 18th December 2021, 3pm
Where : SCL Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161

Bad news. Saturday is the day Reading are using to celebrate 150 years of existence (though only the last 35 years or so with any actual ambition) so with a big crowd present be prepared that the day could be marred by a Reading performance that plumbs the very depths of incompetence just like the last “celebration” game (500th home game at the Mad Stad) v Burton back in 2017 - funnily enough that too was the last game before Xmas, though at least this time there is NOT the expectation that the opposition aren’t very good and just there for the taking.

And then there’s Reading’s amazing home form, which is currently 5 without a win (D2, L3), that needs to be turned round. Last win was v Barnsley on 16th October. Still we’ve all become used to dire home form over the last 4/5 years so why worry, the club are well practiced in cr@pness and have survived it on the other occasions.

Luton are midtable with a whopping 29 points from 7 wins and 8 draws so far. It will have been more or less a year since their last appearance in town (Boxing Day last year) and if Reading can somehow scrape the same result then we will all have a happy Christmas (idiot governments allowing).

The Hatters current form is a bit “iffy” so that is something we can all hope that they bring with them on Saturday. Last time out was a 1-1 home draw with Fulham while the previous 7 games to that saw Luton win twice (home v ‘boro and away at Blackpool) and draw one which overall means they’ve lost half of their last 8 games. However the Blackpool victory was their last away game so you can say they’re now unbeaten in two.

Harry Cornick and Elijah Adebayo are doing the damage having hit 17 of Luton’s 30 league goals this season, also on the books are Henri Lansbury and Cameron Jerome though both seem to be more used as subs to make things happen rather than definite starters in a game

Luke Berry is the only injury problem for the Hatters, though having scored 4 in his 6 starts this season it’s probably a good thing from Reading’s perspective.

Reading’s ridiculous injury problems grew further before the WBA game with Swift and Drinkwater being added to the tome of casualties and then after the WBA game with the possibility of Scott Dann joining them.

It is hoped though that at least one of the players injured might return in time for the game but this will probably depend on who is ready to be the next in line to replace them in the treatment room.

Lastly, apparently there is no truth in the rumour that the FL have placed a requirement to have a double figure injury status at the club for breaching FFP.

Referee

Gavin Ward

Previously

02 Nov 2021 > Millwall 1-0 Reading
02 Mar 2021 > Reading 1-0 Blackburn Rovers
05 Dec 2020 > Reading 2-0 Nottingham Forest
03 Oct 2020 > Reading 1-0 Watford
04 Feb 2020 > Cardiff City 3-3 Reading (FA Cup)
22 Apr 2019 > Reading 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
12 Mar 2018 > Reading 0-3 Leeds United
01 Sep 2018 > Reading 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday
25 Aug 2015 > Portsmouth 1-2 Reading (League Cup)
20 Dec 2014 > Reading 0-1 Watford
25 Oct 2014 > Reading 3-0 Blackpool
17 Apr 2012 > Reading 1-0 Nottingham Forest
01 Feb 2011 > Cardiff City 2-2 Reading
16 Mar 2010 > Reading 1-0 Queens Park Rangers
11 Aug 2009 > Reading 5-1 Burton Albion (League Cup)

Historically

Only 24 league seasons have been shared with Luton as although a similar style of provincial club they have spent a couple of lengthy periods circulating in the first and second divisions while Reading were successfully trying to avoid any appearance of ambition.

Of the previous 24 league games played in Reading 15 have been won by the hoops with 5 going the way of the hats leaving 4 draws.

How to follow the game

  1. Get a ticket and go
  2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
  3. Ring/text a mate for updates
  4. Use a RoyalTV subscription
  5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
  6. Forge a press pass, smile sweetly at security and pretend you’re Tim and/or Mick

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Sutekh
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Sutekh » 14 Dec 2021 18:12

And the season that just keeps on giving is giving a bit more as now Reading apparently now have 4 players that have tested positive which would bring the count of currently unavailable players up to 15 for this game when you add in the injured (assuming the 4 positives are different players to the 11 crocks of course).

The FA/PL/FL ruling on this is that clubs are expected to do everything they can to fulfill a fixture - which basically means if a club has 14 fit players it should go ahead. However whether having 14 fit 17 year olds from the academy with a handful appearances in the first team between them qualifies as 14 fit players might be doubtful.

Just looking at the numbers left from what you’d term a first team squad though I’d say this puts Reading into borderline territory though any 14 that are fit might include 2 keepers and 3 or 4 players that may only have made the bench after injury in normal circumstances.

The other consideration in this is how much effort and expense has there been in all the associated special bits and pieces that have been lined up for the game. Would presume a quick decision is needed on whether to postpone or not.

ayjaydee
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by ayjaydee » 14 Dec 2021 18:29

What’s the betting we see a “one rule for the rich” situation? Man Utd game is off with no disclosure of how many first team players actually have COVID whereas we will be expected to field a team of kids.

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Zip
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Zip » 14 Dec 2021 18:34

Sutekh And the season that just keeps on giving is giving a bit more as now Reading apparently now have 4 players that have tested positive which would bring the count of currently unavailable players up to 15 for this game when you add in the injured (assuming the 4 positives are different players to the 11 crocks of course).

The FA/PL/FL ruling on this is that clubs are expected to do everything they can to fulfill a fixture - which basically means if a club has 14 fit players it should go ahead. However whether having 14 fit 17 year olds from the academy with a handful appearances in the first team between them qualifies as 14 fit players might be doubtful.

Just looking at the numbers left from what you’d term a first team squad though I’d say this puts Reading into borderline territory though any 14 that are fit might include 2 keepers and 3 or 4 players that may only have made the bench after injury in normal circumstances.

The other consideration in this is how much effort and expense has there been in all the associated special bits and pieces that have been lined up for the game. Would presume a quick decision is needed on whether to postpone or not.



The four covid positive cases could increase as well. This is the season of hell isnt it.

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Snowflake Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Snowflake Royal » 14 Dec 2021 19:45

ayjaydee What’s the betting we see a “one rule for the rich” situation? Man Utd game is off with no disclosure of how many first team players actually have COVID whereas we will be expected to field a team of kids.

Well the PL and FL are different authorities so different rules are baked in


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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Royals and Racers » 31 Dec 2021 21:26

Now on Wednesday January 19th KO 8pm

The Royal Forester
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by The Royal Forester » 31 Dec 2021 21:41

Royals and Racers Now on Wednesday January 19th KO 8pm

Will we still have a Royal Carroll or will his contract expire before?

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by windermereROYAL » 31 Dec 2021 21:41

So using the JLow logic that's 5 games in 16 days.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by NathStPaul » 31 Dec 2021 22:36

The Royal Forester
Royals and Racers Now on Wednesday January 19th KO 8pm

Will we still have a Royal Carroll or will his contract expire before?

Probably end up with Roy Carroll knowing our luck.


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Sutekh
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Sutekh » 16 Jan 2022 17:46

Game scheduled for 8pm on Wednesday 19th January 2021.

And then we’ll get to play it, fresh from a weekend that saw Luton stuff Boremuff by three to two while Reading gave away another lead, had another player injured and then really threw things up in the air with a statement over their club captain.

So you can add Junior Hoilett to the injury crisis again but Joao is back which is just as well given that Andy Carroll is not going to be available unless he signs another deal, which is presumably unlikely given the mess the club is in and the other offers that he may receive - but then peculiar things happen in this game so who knows.

Referee for the game is Tim Robinson

Previously

18 Sep 21 Reading 3-1 Peterborough United
06 Feb 21 > Stoke City 0-0 Reading
09 Dec 20 > Reading 1-2 Birmingham City
19 Sep 20 > Reading 2-0 Barnsley
18 Jul 20 > Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Reading
07 Dec 19 > Reading 2-3 Birmingham City
06 Apr 19 > Hull City 3-1 Reading
01 Jan 19 > Reading 1-4 Swansea City
19 Sep 18 > Reading 1-2 Norwich City
16 Jan 18 > Reading 3-0 Stevenage (FA Cup 3)
30 Sep 17 > Reading 1-2 Norwich City
29 Apr 17 > Reading 1-0 Wigan Athletic
01 Oct 16 > Reading 1-1 Derby County
02 Feb 16 > Ipswich Town 2-1 Reading
21 Sep 13 > Derby County 1-3 Reading

Royals and Racers
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Royals and Racers » 17 Jan 2022 11:39

From Reading buses
services not running
The services below will not run for the Luton Town game on Wednesday 19 January. We have proposed which alternative services you can use to get into Reading town centre to transfer to the F1. You can also use our journey planner to find your closest service.

F10 – Sonning Common - Please use pink 25 instead
F11 – Emmer Green - Please use pink 25 instead
F12 – Emmer Green & Caversham - please use pink 22 instead
F13 – Caversham Park - please use berry 23/24 instead
F21 – Norcot - please use bronze 11, sky blue 15/16, purple 17 or yellow 26 instead
F22 – Tilehurst - please use sky blue 15/16 or purple 17 instead
F24 – Purley - please use sky blue 16 instead
F31 – Woodley Airfield - please use lion 4/X4, orange 13/14 or purple 17 instead
F32 – Woodley - please use lion 4/X4, orange 13/14 or purple 17 instead
F33 – Lower Earley - please use claret 21 instead.
For timetable for all our services, please click here.

services running as normal
F1 – Reading Station Shuttle
F2 - Shinfield Park - park & ride
F3 - Mereoak park & ride
F14 – Henley on Thames
F23 – Theale & Pangbourne
F20 – Newbury Bus Station
F30 – Twyford
F51 – Basingstoke Tadley & Burghfield
F52 – Farnborough, Yateley & Crowthorne
F53 – Wokingham, Emmbrook & Winnersh
F54 – Bracknell

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by URZZZZ » 18 Jan 2022 12:43

Hope Morrison is fit to start again. Think it’ll be naive to start Bristow as a LB in a flat back four if so

Southwood

Holmes
Morrison
Laurent

Tetek
Rinomhota
Drinkwater/Dele Bashiru
Bristow

Swift

Puscas
Clarke

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Simmops » 18 Jan 2022 12:51

We should boycott the game and protest


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paultheroyal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by paultheroyal » 18 Jan 2022 12:58

Simmops We should boycott the game and protest



Yeah that will help with the important factor in getting a win out of the 7 we need to stay up.

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tidus_mi2
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by tidus_mi2 » 18 Jan 2022 13:02

Luton are no great force away from home.

Only problem is we are no great force at home either.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Hound » 18 Jan 2022 13:05

URZZZZ Hope Morrison is fit to start again. Think it’ll be naive to start Bristow as a LB in a flat back four if so

Southwood

Holmes
Morrison
Laurent

Tetek
Rinomhota
Drinkwater/Dele Bashiru
Bristow

Swift

Puscas
Clarke


looks ok. Wonder if any of the other injured are close - ie Halilovic/Azeez

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NathStPaul
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by NathStPaul » 18 Jan 2022 13:07

URZZZZ Hope Morrison is fit to start again. Think it’ll be naive to start Bristow as a LB in a flat back four if so

Southwood

Holmes
Morrison
Laurent

Tetek
Rinomhota
Drinkwater/Dele Bashiru
Bristow

Swift

Puscas
Clarke

Wonder if we might go with Joao? Get 45 minutes out of him. Wouldn't do that personally but I can see Paunovic being a bit desperate.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by Barney » 18 Jan 2022 13:18

Simmops We should boycott the game and protest


DO IT THEN !!!!!!!!!!!!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by WestYorksRoyal » 18 Jan 2022 13:19

NathStPaul
URZZZZ Hope Morrison is fit to start again. Think it’ll be naive to start Bristow as a LB in a flat back four if so

Southwood

Holmes
Morrison
Laurent

Tetek
Rinomhota
Drinkwater/Dele Bashiru
Bristow

Swift

Puscas
Clarke

Wonder if we might go with Joao? Get 45 minutes out of him. Wouldn't do that personally but I can see Paunovic being a bit desperate.

If Pauno rushes Joao back and he is out for another 8 weeks or so....well I'm not sure what the consequences are because everyone hates him and wants him sacked already.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Luton Town (h)

by blythspartan » 18 Jan 2022 13:44

I shall go to this one but expecting another defeat. I still get a buzz driving to the games but the hope has been well and truly knocked out of me. I’d love to witness a 3 - 0 to Reading but have no faith in Pauno anymore and his ability to motivate the players.

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