Reading will look to end a three-match losing streak when they host Bristol City on Saturday to return to the Championship playoff spots with kickoff at 5 pm.
Given that Reading was relegated from the Premier League last season, fans would have been encouraged by their start to the current campaign.
A defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion was followed by three successive wins, keeping the Royals within the playoff places of the Championship.
However, they have since suffered four consecutive league defeats, including three successive losses on home soil.
Paul Ince will be eager to get back to winning ways as soon as possible if his side is to repeat their heroics of last year and secure a return to England’s top flight.
Ince may tell his Reading team to look at Bristol City for an example of how a side can recover from a slide in form.
The Robins have won two of their last three matches, contrasting with their previous five defeats in seven games. Before playing West Bromwich in midweek, Bristol City was viewed as 12th place.
However, they are now within three points of an 11th-placed Norwich side, previously considered automatic promotion contenders. This further highlights the competitive nature of the Championship.
Reading vs. Bristol City Head to Head
Both sides have 22 games against each other, with the hosts taking 12 wins while the visitors with eight wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Swansea 3-2 Reading
- Reading 0-2 West Brom
- QPR 2-1 Reading
- Reading 1-1 Norwich City
Away
- West Brom 0-2 Bristol
- Bristol 1-2 Millwall
- Bristol 2-1 Preston
- Birmingham 3-0 Bristol
Reading Team News
Reading will likely have to change its defence against Swansea, as Andy Yiadom has picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Amadou Salif Mbengue may drop into the back three, with Junior Hoilett switching to right wing-back and Baba Rahman being deployed on the opposite flank.
Bristol City Team News
Furthermore, Bristol City manager Lee Johnson may see no reason to make any alterations to the side which defeated West Brom. However, if he wishes to introduce fresh legs, Andreas Weimann is an obvious option. Timm Klose may be assessed after featuring heavily since his return from injury earlier this month.
Prediction and Odds
After ending their previous dismal streak, Bristol City has the potential to go on another run of wins. However, Reading usually performs better at home, and we predict a competitive share of the spoils.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
