Reading v Coventry Preview

Posted on | February 10, 2012 | No Comments

Following on from their playoff final heartbreak last term, Reading were one side who a lot of people thought would prosper this year. On the other hand, Coventry’s lack of resources meant that many viewed them as serious candidates for the drop. As it turns out, all of these predictions appear to be correct, with the home side currently sat in 8th position while the Sky Blues are rock bottom of the division.

After seeing several players leave and experiencing a somewhat sticky start to the campaign, Reading have responded very well over the last few months and are now making a serious charge to the top places. Having amassed a total of forty five points, the Royals are sat just two points away from 6th position. Recent form can be described as being fairly good, with the club winning two out of their last three games. The main positive for the club’s supporters is the form at the Madejski Stadium though, with Brian McDermott’s side making the venue something of a fortress having won five from their last six in the league there.

Coventry supporters on the other hand must just want someone to put them out of their misery. Having accumulated twenty two points, the Sky Blues are at the foot of the table and already seven points adrift of safety. Their plight wasn’t eased whatsoever in their last fixture either, with the Ricoh Arena side throwing away a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 in the last minute to fellow strugglers Ipswich. That defeat may have come as a shock to fans of the club, as before then Coventry had put together some very good home form having won three games out of four at the Ricoh Arena. However, their away results are less than impressive and with the club failing to win one single game on the road this term, there is obviously a big problem. Moreover, with Andy Thorn’s men losing the last four away games, their confidence is likely to be at rock bottom.

Reading have two pieces of good news ahead of this game, with Jimmy Kebe and Mikele Leigertwood both poised to return after recovering from knee and thigh problems respectively. Coventry on the other hand have an avalanche of injury concerns, with six players currently on the treatment table for the Sky Blues. On a more positive note, Andy Thorn may hand a debut to Oliver Norwood who joined the club on loan a couple of weeks ago.

As for a prediction, our tip simply has to be the Reading victory. The Royals have a reasonable enough record at home and with their opponents still without an away victory this term, our tip will be a 1-0 win for Brian McDermott’s side.

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1. Coventry v Reading Preview
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4. Reading v Southampton Preview
5. Reading v Doncaster Preview

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