News and Views

Reading Look For First Win At West Brom

21 September 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?

The Royals travel to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday looking for their first league win of the season. After picking up just a single point, on the opening day of the season, the Royals are just one place off the bottom of the Premier League table. West Brom have had a much better start to the season and have picked up seven points from their first four games. It looks like it's set to be a tough afternoon for Reading as West Brom are yet to conceede a goal at home this season after beating Liverpool 3-0 and Everton 2-0.

For added interest the West Brom side is likely to feature former Reading striker Shane Long who left Reading in a 6.5 million pound deal in August 2011. Long has already hit four goals so far this season, including one in the league, two in the league cup and an International goal for Ireland.

Reading have lost just once in the last ten meetings between the two sides - a run which included five FA Cup fixtures. The defeat came in the Championship three years ago - a 1-3 defeat for the Royals at the Hawthorns. The sides have yet to meet in the top flight.

This is just the kind of fixture that Reading will need to pick up points from this season if they want to prevent a relegation fight next spring. However, on paper the home side will be big favourites to sweep Reading aside.

Share this article: