Big Match Preview: Reading away

MEET THE GAFFER: JAAP STAM

Stam was appointed the manager at the Madejski Stadium in the summer of 2016 and in doing so became the first overseas boss in the club’s history.

Most famous for his stint at Manchester United, the Kampen-born centre-back arrived in Berkshire with a wealth of experience.

During three full seasons at Old Trafford – his only in English football - Stam won three consecutive Premier League titles, one FA Cup and played a full part in the UEFA Champions League victory to complete the treble in 1998/99.

The former Dutch international hung up his boots in 2007 and since then he has won the Eerste Divisie with PEC Zwolle and helped Ajax take the top tier title.

His first season as a manager in his own right exceeded all expectations, guiding the Royals to a play-off final in what was the seventh best season the club has experienced, leading to the boss penning a new two-year deal in the summer.

STAR MAN: SONE ALUKO

In switching Craven Cottage for the Madejski Stadium, Aluko became the club’s seventh signing of the summer, penning a four-year deal with the Royals.

The pacey forward bagged nine goals for Fulham last season – his best goalscoring season since 2011/12 - but yet to find the net this term, Aluko will be desperate to get off the mark when he makes his debut tomorrow, if selected.

The 28-year-old, who can play up front or out wide, boasts a wealth of experience at this level and his ability to run at defenders combined with his eye for goal makes him a real threat.

MEMORABLE MEETING: 2008-09 season

READING 0-2 BRISTOL CITY

Adebola 26, Skuse 48.

Gary Johnson asked his side to treat the game like a cup final and the gamble paid off handsomely when they gained sweet revenge for a 4-1 drubbing in the reverse fixture.

City arrived in Berkshire in confident spirits, winning five of their last six games, and in denting Reading’s hopes of automatic promotion, Johnson’s side gave their own play-off chances a boost.

The City boss employed Dele Adebola as a lone striker and his tactics were rewarded when the target man headed home Michael McIndoe’s inswinging free kick to give the visitors a half-time lead.

Straight after the restart, Cole Skuse doubled the advantage when he scrambled in his effort from inside the six-yard area from Lee Johnson’s ball.

Leroy Lita struck the post and forced a save from Adriano Basso as the game drew to a close, but City held on to send the 4,500 travelling supporters back to Bristol with maximum points.

Reading: Federici, Rosenior, Pearce (Hunt 81), Duberry, Armstrong, Kebe, Cisse (Matejovsky 60), Harper (Gunnarsson 59), Stephen Hunt, Doyle, Lita. Subs not used: Hahnemann, Tabb.

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Carey, Fontaine, McAllister, Sproule (Murray 75), Johnson, Skuse (Iriekpen 82), McIndoe, Williams, Adebola (John 68). Subs not used: Henderson, Maynard.

Attendance 22,462.

AND FINALLY…

Officials
Referee: James Linington
Assistant Referees: Lee Venamore and Micheal George
Fourth Official: Craig Hicks

Betting (via Sky Bet)
Reading – 7/5
Draw – 12/5
Bristol City – 9/5