Reading suffered another loss last weekend against playoff rivals Stevenage.
It was a poor performance and the Royals barely touched the ball in the second half, with Joel Pereira saving a lot of shots. The Royals had a huge… one shot on target… in the game coming in the 12th minute, by Randell Williams.
Speaking of Randell, he and Benn Ward are now out for the season, which is a massive blow. But hopefully the return of Haydon Roberts and Daniel Kyerewaa soon will boost the spirits of the Royals.
Wigan Athletic won 2-0 against Exeter City in their last game. Goals from Joe Taylor and Frazer Murray were enough to see off a Grecians side who are in great form at the minute. Ex-Reading youth player Caylan Vickers is also there and is starting, which is great for his development, and he’s someone we all know can produce something special.
The head-to-head is in Reading’s favour with 23 wins, 12 draws and 20 losses. The Royals have won the last three games against Wigan, with the last one having unlikely goalscorers, Jeriel Dorsett and Paudie O’Connor, sealing a 2-1 away victory.
In this preview I will tactically analyse the two teams, seeing what Reading need to do to make it four from four against Wigan, and I will give my predictions.
What? League One matchday 40
Where? Select Car Leasing
Opposition Manager? Gary Caldwell
As you guys know I love a bit of analysis and haven’t done it in a while.
As I have said before, Reading have won the last three games against Wigan with an aggregate score of 6-2 (2-1, 2-1 and 2-0).
Reading’s shape is usually set up in a transitional 4-2-3-1 and the Royals like to control the game through the midfield, while also using the full-backs to stretch the opposition.
Reading have repeatedly targeted the channels in recent games against Wigan. This is where the 2-0 and this season’s 2-1 came from: wide deliveries and second-ball situations in the box.
The Royals circulate the ball very well, waiting for the mid-block to shift.
The second half is when Reading shine against Wigan. The Royals have either pulled away or secured the win in the second half in all three games. This suggests better squad management and a decent bench impact.
Wigan created limited and sustained pressure, relying on long balls and quick counters to create chances.
They have only scored two goals in these three games and these required moments rather than patterns.
As usual for Reading, Wigan’s best chances will come from set-pieces.
Joel Pereira will start in goal.
Ryan Nyambe, Paudie O’Connor, Derrick Williams and Andy Yiadom will be the defence.
The midfield will be Lewis Wing, Andy Rinomhota and Charlie Savage.
Kamari Doyle, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Matt Ritchie will be the attack.
Score prediction: 2-1 Royals!
Good luck to those going to the game!
