Reading v Norwich preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports
Saturday 30 September 2017 17:51, UK
Reading will assess winger Modou Barrow ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash at home to Norwich, live on Sky Sports Football from 5.15pm.
Gambia international Barrow has been carrying a knee problem and has not featured in the past four matches. Jordan Obita (knee) missed the midweek defeat at Millwall, where defender Tiago Ilori came back into the side.
Forward Yann Kermorgant (hip/groin), Joseph Mendes (knee) and winger Callum Harriott (knee ligament) continue their rehabilitation.
Norwich forward Nelson Oliveira could come back into the team after recovering from a groin problem. Midfielder James Maddison should retain his place after scoring the only goal in the midweek 1-0 win at Middlesbrough, while Mario Vrancic may be available again after a calf problem.
Live EFL
Scotland forward Steven Naismith, however, is not set to feature until after the international break as he recovers from a groin injury. Alex Pritchard is also stepping up his recovery from ankle surgery. Matt Jarvis (ankle), Jamal Lewis (knee) and Louis Thompson (Achilles) also continue their rehabilitation.
Opta stats
Reading are unbeaten in their last six home league games against Norwich (W4 D2).
Norwich have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 league matches against the Royals.
The Royals are winless in their last four league games (D2 L2). They last had a longer run in May 2016 (7 games).
The Canaries have won their last two away league games, as many as they had in their previous 20 on the road. They last won three in a row in April 2015, en route to promotion to the Premier League.
Reading are one of just two teams in the Championship to have scored 100% of their goals from inside the box this season (level with Hull).
Norwich are one of just two sides yet to score a headed goal in the Championship this season (also Burton).
Prutton's prediction
Not too many people would have been expecting Norwich to go to Middlesbrough and pull out a win on Tuesday night. From a poor start they're slowly climbing the table and Daniel Farke is starting to have an impact.
Reading, in the meantime, are having a bit of a disaster this season and don't appear to be over their play-off hangover yet. I fancy Norwich to get another good away win here.
Prutton predicts: 0-1 with Yanic Wildschut to score first (50/1 with Sky Bet)
