Well after the disaster at Norwich comes this one. And of all the games it was possible to get after that shambles, Villa away was quite probably bottom of the list.
Currently Aston Villa are in the midst of an excellent run of form having won 7 of their last 9 games with just 1 draw and 1 defeat in that run. Additionally they have conceded just 2 goals and both of those were on their travels. Add to that Reading’s utterly appalling record at last year’s relegated PL sides (Norwich 1-7, Newcastle 1-4) and it’s difficult to see anything other than a turkey shoot for the likes of Hogan, Kodija, Adomah et al
Due to Aston Villa being a jolly nice community club and agreeing to a local church’s request to not play games on Good Friday (due to previous problems the church has had with services being held at the same time a game is due to be played) the game was rescheduled for Saturday, a day later than all the other play off contenders (particularly Leeds visit to Newcastle), which may or may not add more pressure to Reading to get something out of the match.
Just to pep things up Aston Villa have a full strength squad to pick from (though Kodija was forced off in their last game with a thigh problem he is expected to be available) while Reading could still be without all their usual casualties. If any are to make it though, then most likely that will be Tiago Ilori and Joey van den Berg. Jaap will most likely want to change things if he can so having those two available will at least provide those options that he needs to put a spine back in. However it may work out that only Danny Williams is fit enough to return to a starting role. And whether Roy Beerens is available or another on the injured list is anyone’s guess.
RefereeTrying to keep tabs on the score will be Northumberland’s Scott Duncan
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11 Mar 2017 > Preston North End 3-0 Reading
22 Oct 2016 > Rotherham United 0-1 Reading
12 Apr 2016 > Middlesbrough 2-1 Reading
04 Apr 2015 > Reading 1-1 Cardiff City
HistoricallyVilla Park has been a quite miserable place for Reading so far. Five previous league games played and five previous league games lost with 4 goals scored and 10 conceded (and after last week it possibly wouldn’t be a surprise to see that goal tally doubled). As I recall Reading's last visit there almost resulted in a point in a game devoid of any goalmouth action whatsoever as two utterly awful teams tried to slog out a 0-0 but failed miserably when Villa accidentally scored In the 2nd half.
In fact it’s safe to say the only thing Reading have ever got out of a game at Villa Park is 1971’s relegation to Division 4.
Still, hope springs eternal....