Burnley v Reading Preview
Reading’s push for the automatic positions took a small setback at the weekend following a 0-0 draw with managerless QPR. Similarly, Burnley’s ambitious hopes of the play offs took a turn south after being held to a 1-1 draw with Charlton – although it’s fair to say that both managers will probably be reasonably satisfied with how things are going at the moment.
The Clarets currently sit in 8th position although are a number of teams around there on twenty points. While their squad would probably be worthy of at least a top six finish a few years ago, this season has seen a big improvement of the quality of teams and it will take a big effort for them to break into them. Over the last few weeks they’ve managed to collect five points although with one of those coming against Birmingham, it’s certainly not a bad return. They only played Reading a few weeks ago although it was quite a simple affair for Steve Coppell’s men, with the Royals cruising to a 3-1 victory. With Owen Coyle’s men dropping very few points at home this season though, there’s no doubt that Tuesday’s clash will probably be a lot more even tie and the Turf Moor side will definitely have more of a chance to get a result.
As for Reading, they’ve only been kept out of the top two due to the unbelievable form of Wolves and Birmingham. Steve Coppell’s men are enjoying some fantastic form themselves and in most other seasons, would definitely be lingering in the automatic places. They did drop two points against QPR on Saturday which will have disappointed supporters, but all things considered things look to be going to plan for the Madejski outfit. If anything, the goals have dried up a little in the last few weeks but with Leroy Lita banging them in from all angles for Norwich, Coppell could always recall him from his loan spell if things get desperate.
Owen Coyle looks as though he may have to make a couple of changes for this game though, with Steven Caldwell and Clarke Carlisle both doubtful after missing training on Monday. Reading are in the same boat and Steve Coppell looks set to be without three players. Marek Matejovsky is struggling with an ankle injury, while Graeme Murty and Michael Duberry are both out for the foreseeable future with calf problems.
Over the course of the season so far, Reading’s away form hasn’t been that of a club looking to gain promotion. Burnley on the other hand have been exceptional at Turf Moor and we can well see them gaining a point out of this one. We’ll predict a 1-1 score line.
