Will we be dishing out a right Royal thrashing? Reading v BWFC 18/8/18 3pm

[bristol_Wanderer3]

We are back on it at the Madjeski stadium on Saturday.

Sammy is apparently back in training but doubtful, and a lot of the new guys impressed in the Leeds carabao defeat on Tuesday meaning Parky has a healthy selection dilemma. Certainly Wilson, Grounds, Ozzy all impressed at Elland Road and must be exercising his thoughts.

The Royals apparently have winger issues with £7.5m Sone Aluko out, Modou Barrow doubtful, and Gareth McCleary and Adrian Popa also injured. Having seen their televised opening game when they were really unlucky to lose to Derby in the last minute, losing Barrow and Aluko would be a big blow for them. Their highly rated centre back Liam Moore didn't feature in that game as he had handed in a transfer request as Brighton were reportedly sniffing around in a potential £10m-£15m purchase. That didn't happen so he is likely to back in the fray for Saturday.

Paul Clement's team are tipped to struggle this season following their poor last season when some freak results could've seen them relegated on the last day. They look a lot more pragmatic following the initial success and eventual failure of Jaap Stam's interpretation of total football. They have some expensive players, with a squad costing around £20m but look limited particularly in the goalscoring department.

I am feeling the early season optimism. Reading 1-2 BWFC. COYW.

[Jim_McDonuts]

I seem to be channelling Parky 'cos I'd be happy with a (dull) point.

[TANGODANCER]

Reading...a magical memory....Don't know if we can go wild and repeat the magic, but we can't go to jail for trying.

[boltonboris]

They had a couple of tough games to open with, with a return of 0 points (before a good cup win v Birmingham)

Away at Blackburn midweek, then away at Villa next Sat, so they'll be looking at our game as a chance to get 3 on the board - If we can get something out of this, it will pt them under some pretty intense pressure early on as they could be looking at none, or 1 point after 5 matches

[TANGODANCER]

Ref Wilson and Hobbs, I reckon this looks like they may not start although they'll be on the bench. I may be reading it wrong, but, Parky says (via the B,N) ..“Both he and Jack Hobbs are good lads, knocking hard on the door but they are doing it the right way.”. I can't think he'll drop the Weevers just like that, but I think he'll start with them.

[Prufrock]

Assuming Sammy isn't fit to start I think it'll be the same team as last week, possibly Oz for Murphy but unlikely.

[jmjhb]

It'll be the same team as last Saturday.

[GhostoftheBok]

I won't be travelling for this one, as I have the in-laws visiting.

There are a few who turned out against Leeds who made a case for a start - but it depends on the game plan. Vela has played 90 mins every game so far (correct me if I'm wrong), so it might be that just from a player management perspective he could use a rest. That'd open up a starting spot for Ozzy.

Wilson, Grounds and Little are all up there too.

[Jugs]

Clement is a poor manager. This is our best chance to beat them down there for a while.

[TANGODANCER]

Assuming Sammy isn't fit to start I think it'll be the same team as last week, possibly Oz for Murphy but unlikely.

P.P seems to be a bit cagey as to whether Sammi will figure? Not sure if this is gamesmanship or whether Sammi will show. He seems to have been training in some fashion. We sure don't want to be a one-man team, but he's a matchwinner. My main worry is that selection will eventually cause problems amongst the squad. We seem to have a good squad but keeping it (as in the case of Alf) will be the problem.

[The_Gun]

Assuming Sammy isn't fit to start I think it'll be the same team as last week, possibly Oz for Murphy but unlikely.

P.P seems to be a bit cagey as to whether Sammi will figure? Not sure if this is gamesmanship or whether Sammi will show. He seems to have been training in some fashion. We sure don't want to be a one-man team, but he's a matchwinner. My main worry is that selection will eventually cause problems amongst the squad. We seem to have a good squad but keeping it (as in the case of Alf) will be the problem.

I think that would definitely fall into the 'nice problem to have' category, although I agree that there will be a few players getting agitated if they're not starting.

I hope Parky can integrate Ozzy into the line-up, as him, Sammy and Wildschut playing off Magennis could be quite something.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Oztumer and Wildschut on the bench.
*snort*

[TANGODANCER]

I'll throw in a quick "COME ON YOU WHITES"
before kicky ball starts...

[Peter Thompson]

Oztumer and Wildschut on the bench.
*snort*

I don't think that's a shock to anyone is it with Parkinson - I've said it before I'll be amazed if Oztumer gets 10 league starts under Parkinson, he and Wildschut are probably too attacking for Parkinson, and they probably don't defend enough - under Parkinson all 10 outfield players have to get back and defend

[TANGODANCER]

Sounds like we aren't the Whites tody but the Blacks again?

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Oztumer and Wildschut on the bench.
*snort*

I don't think that's a shock to anyone is it with Parkinson - I've said it before I'll be amazed if Oztumer gets 10 league starts under Parkinson, he and Wildschut are probably too attacking for Parkinson, and they probably don't defend enough - under Parkinson all 10 outfield players have to get back and defend

Aye. I wasn't saying it was a shock... just expressing my personal disgust.

[TANGODANCER]

Have we had a shot at goal yet?...

[TANGODANCER]

So 0-0. Changes needed or no?

[TANGODANCER]

Buckley off, Willschutt on.

[TANGODANCER]

1-0....Willschut....