Match Preview: Peterborough United vs Reading FC

Match Preview: Peterborough United vs Reading FC

Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024
Kick-Off: 15:00
Venue: Weston Homes Stadium

As the international break ends, all eyes turn to Peterborough this Saturday, where Reading FC take on Peterborough United in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. Both teams have had mixed starts to their campaigns, and with only two points separating them, this match could have big implications for the race up the table.

Current Form

Reading FC currently sit in 10th place in the Championship table with 23 points from 14 matches and a +1 goal difference. The Royals have been in decent form lately, winning three of their last five games, drawing one, and losing one. However, their away form has been worrying. Out of seven road trips, Reading have managed just one win and two draws, which leaves them 20th in the away table. At home, though, they’ve been brilliant, winning all but one game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Peterborough United, on the other hand, find themselves in 12th place with 21 points from 15 matches and a +4 goal difference. They’ve been inconsistent, winning two of their last six games, losing two, and drawing one. Manager Garry Monk, a seasoned tactician with stints at clubs like Swansea and Leeds, will be aiming to steady the ship and climb closer to the play-off spots.

Key Players

Peterborough United: Kwame Poku

Kwame Poku has been in sensational form this season, bagging 10 goals and contributing 5 assists. His pace, trickery, and finishing ability make him the key player to watch for the Posh. If Reading’s defence, led by players like Tom McIntyre, can’t contain him, it could be a long afternoon for the Royals.

Reading FC: Lewis Wing

When looking at the home form, it’s hard to choose a key player for Reading with many players stepping up to the plate. Boosted by the Goal of the Month for October, Lewis Wing is beaming. At the start of the season, we saw Lewis employed into a different role than that of last season, and the flurry of goals we grew to expect were not coming. Over the left few months we have started to see the Lewis that won him Player of the Season last year. Having scored 3 goals and 4 assists recently Lewis could be the key man to unlock the Posh defence.

A Glimpse into History

Several players have donned the shirts of both Reading and Peterborough over the years. Notably:

Darren Caskey: A Reading legend, Caskey played over 200 games for the Royals and had a brief stint with Peterborough.

Jonathan Bond: A goalkeeper who spent time at both clubs, making 18 appearances for Reading and 42 for Peterborough.

It’s always interesting to see the connections between clubs, adding a little extra spice to the occasion.

Did You Know?

Peterborough United are nicknamed “The Posh”, a name dating back to 1921 when former Fletton United manager Pat Tirrell reportedly stated he was looking for “posh players for a posh team.” Despite its fancy-sounding origins, the Posh have been anything but over the years, building a reputation as a gritty and determined club.

Team News

Reading FC

Reading’s injury list continues to be a concern. Club captain Andy Yiadom remains sidelined with a foot injury and isn’t expected back until the new year. However, there’s hope that Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Jeriel Dorset, and Amadou Mbengue may recover in time for Saturday’s match.

Peterborough United

The Posh are relatively injury-free, and Garry Monk will have most of his squad available. This stability could give them a slight edge, particularly in front of their home crowd.

The Stadium

The Weston Homes Stadium is a compact and lively venue with a capacity of 15,314. Its pitch measures 112 x 71 yards (102 x 65 metres), slightly narrower than Readings, of which is 102m x 68m. This is done purposefully as it suits Peterborough’s high-press style of play. Reading will need to adapt quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.

What to Expect

Peterborough’s strength lies in their attack, with Kwame Poku leading the line alongside a supporting cast capable of scoring goals. Their defence, however, has been leaky at times, which could open the door for Reading’s counter-attacking game.

For the Royals, it’s all about improving their away form. Manager Rubén Sellés will likely set the team up to frustrate Peterborough and hit them on the break. The likes of Andy Carroll could be vital in such a strategy, offering an aerial threat from set-pieces and long balls.

Fun Fact: Record Books

Peterborough once thrashed Reading 6-0 in a League Cup tie in 2013, a result Royals fans will want to forget.

Reading have only won one away game this season, which was against Exeter City. Reading will be boosted by the performance of the last away game vs Stevenage when they drew 1-1.

Prediction

This match is tough to call. Reading’s poor away form contrasts with Peterborough’s solid home performances, but the Royals’ recent momentum could make all the difference. After the international break, Reading will be fresh and eager to grab the points. I’m going for a 1-1 draw, with Lewis Wing and Kwame Poku the likely scorers.

What do you think? Can Reading finally turn around their away form, or will Peterborough edge it at home? Let us know in the comments on social media!

Come on You Royals! 💙

This is a big chance to climb higher in the table (7th place with games in hand with teams above), and to show that we can be just as strong away as we are at home. Let’s cheer on the boys and hope for a result to keep our season on track.

Fingers crossed for a great game!

Up the Ding!