Helping us preview this weekends game is Matt Joy (who you can follow on Twitter @MattJamesJoy) my co-host of our student radio show, the Weekend Warm Up, which you can listen to every Saturday at 2-3pm on Nerve Radio.
In your words, how are Reading doing this season?
Frustratingly inconsistent, hopefully this will be changed however with the appointment of Steve Clarke. Before the sacking of Adkins it was one step forwards and two steps back, however it seems to be more like standing still at the moment!
Where did you think you’ll finish?
I would be happy and I expect us to finish slap bang in mid table. We do tend to pick up our form in the New Year, with a couple of signings we could push for a top half finish at best I think.
How do you feel upon the sacking of Nigel Adkins and subsequent employment of Steve Clarke?
I was a huge supporter of Adkins for what he did during our takeover difficulties and the loyalty he showed but he had to go. Clarke has brought in more solidity and structure to our side and a no nonsense approach that our defence had been screaming out for. So far, so good.
Steve Clarke has started his career well at Reading
Where are the Royals’ strengths and weaknesses, and whom should we look out for on Saturday?
Our strengths are in our midfield. Karacan, Williams and McCleary are
all fantastic players and McCleary on his day is a match for any defender in the division. You’ll need to restrict his influence on Saturday for sure. Our weakness is the lack of goals, we don’t have an out and out finisher especially since Murray has returned to Palace.
To overcome your weaknesses, whom would you look towards in the January transfer window?
A new forward definitely. More pace up front is what we need, I see we are looking at Maynard who I’d take definitely.
How are two old Fulham boys, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Stephen Kelly, doing for you?
The Pog is the sort of player who you kind of ironically love. You want him to be good for us but he never has delivered, especially to the standard his wage bill suggests! Kelly has limited game time but is a solid and disciplined player who always seems to keep himself out of the media spotlight but never does much wrong when he plays!
Pavel Pogrebnyak is one of two ex-Fulham boys returning to the Cottage
Which Fulham players are you fearing at the weekend?
Rodallega and McCormack are both very good Championship players and together they could pose us a problem. Hopefully keep them quiet and not give them a sniff. I’ve always liked the way Scotty Parker has played and he could be in for a good old-fashioned battle with Karacan in the centre of the park with no half measures I expect!
The midfield battle is set to be key, Scott Parker a vital component for Fulham.
Which Fulham players would you target in order to get a result?
Looking at the quality in the midfield and up top and then your goal difference, the defence seems a little shaky! If we can get on the front foot and attack with pace and width I could see us causing problems.
Score prediction?
Heart says 2-0 Reading, head says a tight 1-1 draw.
And lastly, with supporting Reading for such a period of time, do you ever read “reading” as “Reading” without realising?
Let’s not even go there!
Good luck for Saturday guys, enjoy the game!
