Reading welcome promotion-chasing Brentford to the Madejski Stadium tonight as the Royals search for their first win since the restart. Brentford, meanwhile, are hoping to close the gap to two points between themselves and the automatic promotion places.
Reading Entertain Promotion-Chasing Brentford
Reading Are Winless Since the Restart
Reading have collected just one point from their two matches thus far and Mark Bowen will want to see more from his side. They may still be looking nervously over their shoulders as they aim to reach the 50-point mark.
Bowen’s side head into this game seven points clear of the relegation zone. However, with many of the sides below finding some form, the boss will want his side to start improving their performances. Their disappointing restart to the season has ended their chances of sneaking into the play-off places.
They are 11 adrift of the play-offs, so the focus now shifts to ensuring their Championship status. A win against promotion-chasing Brentford would see Reading surpass the 50 point mark.
Centre-back Matt Miazga is suspended following his red card at Derby County, so Bowen may rotate his team following a slow start to the season resumption.
Brentford Have Second Place in Their Sights
It has been a sensational return for Brentford. The Bees have collected crucial wins against promotion rivals Fulham and West Bromwich Albion. They are scoring goals and, more significantly, keeping clean sheets. Thomas Frank will be delighted with his team’s performances.
Victory for the Bees will see them move to within two points of the automatic promotion places. They can pile the pressure on West Brom face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.
Frank is unlikely to make too many changes from their recent win. Bryan Mbeumo will be pushing to start having featured from the bench against West Brom – his first game since receiving a positive coronavirus test.
Previous Meeting
The two sides played out a tight contest at Griffin Park, but Brentford edged it thanks to Ollie Watkins’ second-half goal.
Prediction
The incentive is clear for both. Victory will see them close the gap on the Championship top two, while Reading can all but secure their Championship status.
The Royals have collected seven points from their last four games, while Brentford have won their last three. A fourth consecutive win would be their best winning sequence this season.
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Brentford
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