Swansea v Reading Preview

Posted on | August 17, 2009 | No Comments

Both of these sides are in practically identical situations at the moment, having both come off heavy 3-0 defeats. What’s more, both lost their manager and key players during the summer and because of that, this season is certainly going to be much harder for them.

The loss of Roberto Martinez to Wigan in the summer was always going to have serious implications for Swansea, although by the looks of things, the problems are quite severe. Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez were arguably Swansea’s best two players last season yet both followed Martinez to Wigan, leaving massive holes to fill. So far Paulo Sousa looks to have struggled to get his squad playing and the team have lost both of their opening games. There was a shining point after a 3-0 Carling Cup victory over Brighton, yet it’s clear there’s a lot of work to do to get the Swans anywhere near last season’s top half finish. Sousa may share the same footballing philosophies as Martinez, yet results certainly need to improve if he is to experience similar achievements.

After failing to win promotion last season, Reading lost popular manager Steve Coppell and Brendan Rodgers was appointed as the man to take charge. Despite only a short time managing Watford, Rodgers had a decent CV and on the whole, Reading supporters were impressed. However, just like Swansea, the Royals have lost big players over the summer as the likes of Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita and Stephen Hunt all left for new challenges. They recorded a decent result in the shape of a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season and followed that up with an emphatic 5-1 thrashing of Burton Albion. However, it’s clear that they still have frailties and Newcastle took full advantage with a 3-0 victory on Saturday night. Still, Rodgers hasn’t built his sparkling reputation from nothing and after a similarly shaky start during his time at Watford, don’t be surprised if Reading recover and bounce up the table in the next few weeks.

One of the main hindrances Swansea face at the moment is their lack of depth in midfield. Paulo Sousa once again has problems in the middle and will be without Jordi Lopez, Joe Allen, Darren Pratley, Ferrie Bodde and Thomas Butler through injury. Reading just have the one absentee as Andre Bikey prepares to sit out through suspension. However, Brendan Rodgers could give a start to Noel Hunt, who has struggled with a foot problem in recent weeks.

In the last game between these two sides, Swansea comfortably came out on top with a 2-0 victory. Back then the Swans had a much stronger squad though and while Reading were thumped on Saturday, we expect them to respond and come on top in a 1-0 win in this one.

Related posts:

1. Swansea v Leicester Preview
2. Championship Preview – Swansea
3. Reading v Swansea Preview
4. Bristol City v Swansea Preview
5. Swansea v Crystal Palace Preview

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