Wolves v Reading preview
Tuesday 13 March 2018 18:22, UK
Wolves could make changes for their home clash with Reading following their 4-1 thumping at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Defeat cut their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship to three points. Benik Afobe, Romain Saiss and Ryan Bennett could all return to face Reading. Carl Ikeme remains out as he continues to battle leukaemia while Phil Ofosu-Ayeh is struggling with tendinitis.
Reading have a list of long-term absentees as they head to Molineux. Winger Garath McCleary has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his ankle against Sheffield United this month.
Omar Richards and Yann Kermorgant (both calf) remain sidelined for the trip to the midlands. Defenders Paul McShane and Tommy Elphick, forward Joseph Mendes and winger Callum Harriott are also out.
Opta stats
The last 10 meetings between these sides at Molineux have been won by either side five times since their last draw in March 1996.
Reading have failed to score in four of their last five league matches against Wolves (W1 D1 L3).
Championship leaders Wolves have failed to win four of their last five league games (W1 D2 L2), as many as their previous 17 combined (W13 D3 L1).
Reading are winless in seven league matches (D4 L3). In fact, the Royals have won just one of their last 16 in the Championship (D7 L8).
Ivan Cavaleiro has had a hand in four of Wolves' last six league goals at the Molineux (one goal, three assists).
Modou Barrow has assisted a goal in each of his last two away league games. He had assisted twice in 23 appearances on his travels prior to this.
Prutton's prediction
All of a sudden we have a title race on again in the Championship! It seemed like it would be a procession for Nuno's men until a few weeks ago, but one win in five has allowed their rivals right back into it.
However, this game feels like an absolute banker for Wolves at the moment. It's hard to believe that this time last year the Royals were pushing for the play-offs and Wolves were scratching around just a couple of points above the drop zone.
Prutton predicts: 2-0 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
