Reading v Aston Villa Pre Match thread

[berneboy]

While I haven't at all given up on promotion I am now just looking for progression under Bruce. We have to establish some momentum because we have zero right now. I believe we have the required quality for promotion just not the belief. Hoping that we can get things started tonight.

I could have written the same words, TV. I do think we need another strong midfielder though if Jedi doesn't come good.

[Chico Hamilton III]

Does anyone know the last time we came from behind and won a league match?

December 2014, against Leicester. 2-1

[steveeuro1982]

Hi, I have a spare ticket from the game, travelling from Nuneaton by car.  Anyone interested please call 07858 269257.  anyone know the best pub.  Heard the nearest pub is 3 minutes away at least. (upside down).
 

[Sexual Ealing]

Chelsea (I have no idea why I think they're a valid comparison. Shit-induced delirium I expect.) seem to have turned around by going 3-4-3. Worth a try?

Gollini
Richards Chester Baker
Bacuna Tshibola Westwood Amavi
Ayew Kodjia McCormack

Just get whoever our equivalents of Hazard and Costa are to work their magic.

In other news, this absinthe is delicious.

[Des Little]

If we win tonight, I'll be on the absinthe all day tomorrow

[steveeuro1982]

No calls re spare ticket for tonight.  Leaving about 2 p.m. from Nuneaton.  Anyway, everyone seems to have missed a point (excuse the pun).  We played some very good football at the start of the season, but threw points way towards the end.  Therefore the failure to play anything remotely resembling football is purely due to confidence.  So, if we get back to the performances at the start of the season and with Steve Bruce then using his experience to prevent late collapses, we still have a chance of going up.  Posts saying it will be at least two years, are actually a negative impact and effectively gives the players an excuse.  If these players play with a belief we can get to the 30 point mark after 23 games.  By that time we can boost the flagging midfield.  Which would mean we need 46 points in the next 23 for the lay offs.  I am very disappointed by the attitude shown by Jedinak and Elphink.  These two are natural leaders and have not done there job.   I believe they are still capable and it is an attitude problem.  I am sure if Steve Bruce can bang their heads, then the on-field leadership will have a positive impact.  There are others who should also start being more vocal.  I don't believe we can lay John Ayew and Jack Grealish at the same time.  Both look great on the all, but the final product is shocking.  This means we can add some more solidity to midfield.  I am sure that Steve Bruce will get a better end product from these players.  If anyone doubts that promotion is still achievable, the Leicester turn around is evidence to maintain optimism.

[frank]

I've missed 7 of the last 8 games through work abroad and I'm actually looking forward to this one, even though Southern Railway are on strike (again) and doing their best to prevent me from getting to the game. I don't think Elphick will be a great loss and Richards certainly won't be, though Jack could have been quite effective. I know we keep on saying this, but the quality is there, and sooner or later Bruce will add determination and confidence to that quality. Tonight would be a good time and place to start. 2-1 to us.

[Chris Jameson]

Have to hope McCormack doesn't get booked tonight or I believe he'll be facing a suspension for five bookings.

How's that for a (probably incorrect) stat?

[Ads]

I wouldn't play him Chris.

I think we need pace and intensity to press which is why I'd have Tshibola and Bacuna as box to box options either side of Jedinak. Equally Ayew must start and Adomah gives us balance.

With Kodjia, we'd have 5 quick players capable of hitting the box. We're far too pedestrian of late, sat far too deep and have no out ball because the space in midfield is too great.

Give Jedinak a job of sitting and screening but put the other two around him to make the midfield competitive, but also capable of occupying spaces further up the pitch, which Ayew, Kodjia and Adomah will create.

[KevinGage]

There's a difference between getting beaten 4-1 away at Man City with all their ability and dreading facing some nobody outfit like Reading in the 2nd Division ahead of an inevitable drubbing.

I can't muster any hope or positivity.

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

Have us down to lose this one, but it wouldn't be beyond us to get a draw.

Revival starts at home to Fulham at the weekend.

[Marton]

I was hoping we not play another game until the January transfer window was open...but that doesn't seems to be an option.....

Soooo....hopefully a draw?

[VinnieChase84]

I just want to see us have 3 in midfield for once tonight.

                 Gollini
Bacuna, Chester, Baker, Amavi
                 Jedinak
           Tish.        Westwood 
Adomah.                       Ayew
                  Kodjia

[PeterWithesShin]

Have to hope McCormack doesn't get booked tonight or I believe he'll be facing a suspension for five bookings.

How's that for a (probably incorrect) stat?

Ayew, Ross, Elphick and Jedi are on 4 bookings.

[Ads]

Rather have Leo's pace in the midfield.

[Bad English]

I think we will snatch a defeat from a draw of victory.