Read Adam Baker's match preview blog, only on bcfc.co.uk.
OPPOSITION
An impressive recent run has seen Reading calm their relegation fears. A torrid start to the campaign lead to the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers. In his place arrived Brian McDermott, the former chief scout at Reading and he's taken to management superbly. Gregorz Rasiak leads the Royals line although Shane Long has been a recent prominent goal threat. Jay Tabb and Brian Howard offer attacking options in midfield, with Matthew Mills the defensive star alongside Icelandic international Ivar Ingimarsson. Ex-City loanee Adam Federici is between the sticks.
MANAGER
Brian McDermott is now their manager following a brief stint as caretaker following Rodgers' departure. He joined the club as Chief Scout in September 2000, taking over from the late Maurice Evans. He has always maintained a Chief Scout role, but also managed our under 19s then reserves. He was very successful as reserves boss, guiding us to the regional and national titles in our debut Premiership season, above the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. When Brendan Rodgers took over in summer 2009, Brian became part of his technical team and was given the specific job of scouting our opposition. After playing at Arsenal, Brian spent time in Sweden and was named player of the year in 1984. Returned to spend time with a number of clubs including Oxford, before taking over as manager of Slough Town and moving to Madejski Stadium.
FORM
WLWWLW
REFEREE
Paul Taylor from Hertfordshire. Last oversaw a City game in January 2009 when they won 2-0 at Plymouth Argyle. Reading lost 1-0 at home to Cardiff in September this term with Taylor in charge. Has shown 98 yellow cards and nine red cards in 24 games. His last game saw rivals Bristol Rovers thump Swindon Town by four goals to nil.
ODDS
Reading are odds-on favourites with online partner bet365.com, with odds of 4/5 on for the win. The draw is priced at 5/2, and an away victory can be found at 7/2.
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