After two losses on the trot against Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, Reading eased a bit of pressure off their shoulders as they outclassed Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. Jaap Stam has been the impetus for Reading’s resurrection this season after a terrible campaign in the second tier last time around to ensure that his employers are right in the middle of the groove to bag a play-off spot in the Sky Bet Championship, which could eventually be their penultimate ticket to the Premier League.
Currently placed fifth on the league table with 63 points from 35 league outings, Reading are set to host table toppers, Newcastle United, at the Madejski Stadium in the midweek fixture and here is our Reading predicted line-up to face the black and white crops.
Defence
Ali Al Habsi is expected to be stationed under the bar once again as they face the might of the Geordies on Wednesday. The 35-year-old veteran goalkeeper has been extensively used by Stam this season and frankly speaking, Al Habsi has played a pivotal role in their sensational campaign this term.
Likely to be stationed ahead of him, we expect a four-man defensive wall, comprising of Paul McShane and Liam Moore in central defence. The duo have been fantastic with their resilient stronghold at the heart of Stam’s defence and to accompany them from the full-back slots, we expect Christopher Gunter at right-back and Tyler Blackett at left-back to start against Newcastle United.
Midfield
We expect Stam to kick off with a 4-4-2 formation with a couple of changes from the starting eleven which defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last outing. It is seemingly likely that we could see John Swift and Jordan Mutch at the centre of the park, with Gareth McLeary on the right wing and Roy Beerens on the left wing to form a neat sync between the attack and defensive setup of the Royals. The midfield, however, shall be given a run for their money by Benitez’s men at the Madejski Stadium.
Attack
Spearheading Reading’s lineup, we are likely to see two strikers- namely January transfer window signing Lewis Grabban along with Yann Kermorgant. A lot will rely on how the attackers step up against the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark and the Reading attackers have a potent attacking arsenal to put the visitors on the back foot from the word go.
Predicted Line-Up:
