Reading v Hull City

This week, high flying Reading take on Hull City, currently lying in 20th position in the Championship. Reading’s last outings have seen wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers, where as Hull City have suffered three defeats on the bounce, most recently at home to Reading’s nearest rivals in the league, Watford

Vital Quotes:

Reading Team News:

Reading have doubts over whether Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson will make the match. He has been struggling with injury over recent weeks, and despit the international break doesn’t look to have fully recovered to face the Tigers. However, better news for the Royals could be the return of Leroy Lita to the attack, as he looks to have recovered from an injury which had lead to a five week abscence from the team. Lita had been in fine form at the start of the season before having a run of seven games without a goal, a run which Reading fans will hope to come to an end this weekend. The return of Lita will be a welcome boost as fellow striker Dave Kitson is suspended due to picking up his fifth yellow card of the season on the Royals last outing, a 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.

Player to watch: Leroy Lita

£1 million striker Lita will hope to be back to scoring ways against the Tigers on Saturday. A good scoring start to the season was followed with a poor run of games in front of goal, but with his power, strength and running, he will always be a constant threat to any defence, exactly the reason why Reading decided to pay out £1 million for his services. Tiger’s fans will be hpoing Lita’s lack of first team football and recent injury will hamper his goalscoring efforts.

Hull City Team News:

Hull City come to the Madjeski boasting a new striker in the form of Billy Paynter. Paynter was signed midweek from League 1 outfit Port Vale. Initially signed on loan, he will cost the Tigers £150,000 when the transfer window re-opens in January. Manager Peter Taylor has yet to divulge any information as to whether Paynter will start against Reading, but is a certainty to at least gain a position on the Tiger’s bench. Midfielder Keith Andrews is still doubtful and unlikely to return to the squad. The only other inclusion may be the return of Stuart Elliott. Having missed the Tiger’s last league match against Watford, Elliott has been away on international duty with Northern Ireland and will be hoping to make a return in the blakc and amber on Saturday.

Latest news from the Tigers camp is that midfielder Curtis Woodhouse will be missing from the game due to family reasons. This will leafe Taylor wih the possibility of playing Stuart Green in the centre of midfield alongside John Welsh

Player to watch: Billy Paynter

The new signing will be hpoing to make an instant impact for the Tigers. Hull City have struggled to find the back of the net this season, and if Paynter starts scoring straight away, he could make himself an instant hit amongst the Hull supporters.

Match Facts & Stats

Reading have only suffered 1 defeat in 9 at home this season, that coming on the opening day in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle. They have won 7 out of 9 at home, making the Madjeski somewhat of an intimidating ground to visit.

Hull have only won 2 out of 9 games on the road at Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle. Having lost 5 out of 9 on their travels, the Madjeski looks a daunting task.

Ref Watch:

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Match Prediction:

A lot will depend on the mindset of Hull City. Against big name teams, the Tiger’s have often given their opponents too much respect, costing valuable points by the final whistle. Reading are flying high and have only sufered one defeat this season, on the opening day at home to Plymouth Argyle. For the Tiger’s to inflict their second defeat of the season would be a big ask. Much may depend on how Billy Paynter fits into the team if he starts. However, I must say that a draw is what I feel the Tigers will acheive at best. Unfortunately though, Reading are a very strong team and I can see them winning this game by a goal or two.