Reading v Doncaster Preview

Posted on | September 11, 2009 | No Comments

Both of these sides lost key players during the summer and as it stands just one point separates them in the table. Despite reaching the play offs last season Reading are lingering in 18^th position, while Doncaster are just a few places higher in 14^th.

Many people were amazed when Reading failed to seal promotion last year, especially after looking so good for the opening few months of the season. However, a dreadful finish meant they had to settle for the play offs and in the end, they were unable to bounce back to the Promised Land. That meant that major changes would take place during the summer and after manager Steve Coppell departed, key players such as Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita, Stephen Hunt and Andre Bikey followed him. Now the Royals are left with a much less experienced squad headed by former Watford coach Brendan Rodgers. It would be fair to say that their start has hardly been inspiring, although after recording a 3-1 away victory over Barnsley in their last outing at least there is some room for optimism.

Doncaster are another side who confuse the pundits as while Rovers operate on a small budget and have lost several key players, in Sean O’Driscoll they have a highly respected manager who always draws the plaudits. They have made no significant purchases during the summer although having lost the likes of Matt Mills and Ritchie Wellens it looks like, on paper at least, their squad is weaker than last seasons. Still, they managed to record their first victory of the season by beating then league leaders Cardiff 2-0 at home. That took their points tally to six and while it looks extremely unlikely that they’ll get anywhere near the top six this season, they’re a steady side and shouldn’t be anywhere near the relegation zone.

The end of August was a busy time for Reading and Brendan Rodgers could hand debuts to all three of the players he signed at the end of the summer transfer window. Brian Howard and Shaun Cummings are expected to start on Saturday, while defender Darren O’Dea is more likely to be named on the bench. However, it’s not all good news as both Chris Armstrong and Jobi McAnuff are out with knee and back injuries respectively. There’s not much to report for Doncaster although Sean O’Driscoll will probably hand a debut to striker Billy Sharp. However, fellow forward Paul Heffernan will not feature due to a groin injury.

Both of these sides lost players during the summer, but Reading have probably been hit harder. Doncaster may have lost a couple of players as well but on the whole, the gap between the two has narrowed. With that, we’re going for a tight draw – 0-0.

Related posts:

1. Reading v Doncaster Preview
2. Swansea v Reading Preview
3. Coventry v Reading Preview
4. Reading v Nottingham Forest Preview
5. Reading v Swansea Preview

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