Reading vs Middlesbrough preview
Friday 21 December 2018 11:25, UK
Caretaker Reading boss Scott Marshall has prepared the team for Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough amid speculation that Jose Gomes is set to replace Paul Clement.
The Teessiders' visit to the Madejski Stadium would be under-23s manager Marshall's third game in charge since Clement's exit earlier this month. He could have choices to make with a series of players stepping up their recovery from injury.
Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, defender Omar Richards, midfielder Dave Edwards and striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson all played in the Under-23s' International Cup quarter-final victory over Jong Feyenoord on Wednesday evening to edge closer to full fitness.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis is likely to revert to his big guns after seeing their under-studies misfire in Tuesday night's Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by League One Burton. Ryan Shotton, Daniel Ayala, Adam Clayton, George Saville, Jonny Howson and Britt Assombalonga made way for Dael Fry, Danny Batth, Grant Leadbitter, Muhamed Besic, Lewis Wing and Martin Braithwaite, and all six will hope to return.
Only striker Rudy Gestede is missing as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury. Boro will arrive in Berkshire without a win in five games in all competitions and having scored just three goals in the process.
Opta stats
Reading have lost each of their last three league games against Middlesbrough, with the most recent two of those coming home (0-2) and away (1-2) last season.
Middlesbrough won 2-0 in this Championship fixture last season, while they've never previously won consecutive away league games against Reading.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis has never won away at Reading in nine previous such meetings as a manager in all competitions (D3 L6), losing 3-1 in his most recent visit in the FA Cup as West Brom boss in February 2016.
Middlesbrough have fired in just 77 shots on target this season, only Hull (71), Bolton (58) and Ipswich (51) have registered fewer.
Reading are without a win in six games, although four of those have been draws (L2).
Reading have registered just one clean sheet in their last 13 home league games - 3-0 versus Hull in September.
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
