Team News
Reading FC- Among major miss outs for the game will be centre-forward Deniss Rakels, Callum Harriott and Stephen Quinn. Though not the first-choice in the centre-forward’s role, Rakel would be a big miss. Left midfielder Callum Harriott continues to recover from the hamstring injury with no definite return time at the moment.
Manager Jaap Stam has received a boost in the return to training of Tiago Ilori, Liam Kelly and Jordon Mutch, though we think they are unlikely to be thrown in for this fixture.
Leeds United- Chris Wood’s injury is the most talked about subject going into the fixture and given the mild nature of his knock, we expect the New Zealand International to shake it off before the game. First choice right-back Luke Ayling continues to serve his suspension. The full-back will return for the next game against Brentford. We expect Swiss international Gaetano Berardi to take his place.
Right-back Lewie Coyle is still out with a foot injury. The 21-year-old right-back is not returning anytime soon and a minimum few weeks has been scheduled before he re-joins training. Tyler Denton is also out until mid-April now. The young left-back incurred a knee injury earlier in March.
Predicted Line-up
Reading FC- Al-Habsi; Obita, Blackett, Moore, Gunter; Van den Berg, Williams, Swift; Beerens, Kermorgant, McCleary
Leeds United- Green; Taylor, Cooper, Bartley, Berardi; Bridcutt, Ronaldo Viera; Roofe, Hernandez, Sacko; Wood
Key Players
Reading FC- Kermorgant will be Stam’s biggest weapon up front. The French international has been in prolific form in the Championship so far, this season scoring 10 goals and three assists. Right wing Garath McCleary will be another player, who could be a thorn in Leeds’ defence.
Midfielder Jonathan Swift could play a major role if Reading expects to get a positive result from the fixture. The 21-year-old has been quite impressive this season being directly involved in 13 goals for his side so far.
Leeds United- Well, the biggest threat for Reading will, of course, be Chris Wood. The 25-year-old has been in hot form this season scoring 24 goals already in 36 outings. And there is a huge chance he will get his name on the scoresheet again.
Pablo Hernandez is a player, who holds together Leeds’ attack. He has scored four times and assisted eight. All major chances pretty much come through him and he will play a major role for Leeds.
Betting Odds
Reading FC@ 2.62
Draw @ 3.30
Leeds United @ 2.90
