MATCHWATCH : Huddersfield Town (a)

[Sutekh]

When : Saturday 28th August 2021, 3pm
Where : John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX
Capacity 24,121

Reading’s already rapidly disintegrating season next shows up far to the north in Huddersfield. Already proving themselves incapable of getting any pointage off of several of the “weaker” sides in the division, mainly thanks to a defence that is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, this game will be another real challenge.

Huddersfield have managed 7 points from their 4 opening games which is rather better than Reading’s pathetic showing. This includes winning their last 2 fixtures (at home to Preston and away at Sheffield United). Their only defeat so far is the 5-1 trouncing they received from one of the division’s favourites, Fulham, a couple of weeks ago.

Reading’s clever idea to get knocked out of the League Cup asap so they could concentrate more on building some form of defensive understanding gives them a clear week to do just that while a, no doubt, weakened Huddersfield team have the distraction of a home game against Everton reserves to get through.

Huddersfield will be without right back Gonzalo Ávila Gordón (“Pipa”) and striker Jordan Rhodes due to injury while young midfielder Lewis O’Brien is rumoured to be on Leeds’ radar in this transfer window. Reading’s dreadful injury list continues to grow with Tom McIntyre now added to Joao, Meite and Araruna (though no-one as yet knows the full extent of the latest issue) but at least Ejaria is expected to finally be able to be involved (perhaps play him in defence where he should only improve things).

Referee

Lee Doughty

Previously

25 Nov 20 > Millwall 1-1 Reading

Historically

The playing record is rather better than you'd expect for an awkward long trek up north. Of the 24 league seasons shared (all since 1976) Reading have managed 10 wins to Huddersfield's 11.

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

[NathStPaul]

Lee Doughty is a ridiculous match official.

[royalp-we]

Got a feeling we will tighten up the back line for this one, even with Tmac missing. Scrappy 1-0 win could go either way.

[Snowflake Royal]

I don't see us keeping a cleansheet unless something major changes. But I think we're due drawing a blank.

[NathStPaul]

Would happily take a 0-0 if offered now. Any point on the road is a bonus for us this season.

[Hound]

Any points certainly a bonus

Bit disappointed didn’t get a LB over the line in time to start here but would bring in Bristow

Ejaria back hopefully and maybe a couple of new signings on the bench along with Hoilett

No reason we can’t get something if we tighten up at the back. Big ‘if’ obviously going on recent showings

[Hendo]

Any points certainly a bonus

Bit disappointed didn’t get a LB over the line in time to start here but would bring in Bristow

Ejaria back hopefully and maybe a couple of new signings on the bench along with Hoilett

No reason we can’t get something if we tighten up at the back. Big ‘if’ obviously going on recent showings

Who says we aren't...?

[NathStPaul]

Even if we sign a new LB it is likely they won't be match fit and won't have any time to train with the team. Would be ludicrous to just chuck someone in and expect them to perform.

Have to stick with Bristow for tomorrow whatever happens with signings.

[Hound]

Yeah that - signed him Sunday/Monday last week and it’s be an option. But think it has to be Bristow

[Westwood52]

Even if we sign a new LB it is likely they won't be match fit and won't have any time to train with the team. Would be ludicrous to just chuck someone in and expect them to perform.

Have to stick with Bristow for tomorrow whatever happens with signings.

The Coaching Manual,which coaches follow religiously says you don’t start your new signings;you put them on the bench.Neither TDB or Junior started.Sancho and Varane yet to start at Man U.

[NathStPaul]

If a player we sign has played in reserve games this season then they are fine for the bench. For us to sign a player today and stick them on the bench without any team training or match time so far this season would be silly and a potential injury waiting to happen.

[Hound]

Not sure what Halilovic has been up to. Maybe training with us. Rahman been playing friendlies

[Sutekh]

Not sure what Halilovic has been up to. Maybe training with us. Rahman been playing friendlies

Both expected to sign but given neither announced yet so it’s not going to be in time to play tomorrow (believe 12 noon today was the cut off) so debuts possibly v QPR on 11 September (and hopefully a striker too!).

Therefore

Rafael
Holmes
Morrison
Moore
Yiadom
Rinomhota
Laurent
TBD
Swift
Puscas
Azeez

Subs

Southwood
Ejaria
Clark
Leavy
Ebahatimoianitrrfgnienneniinen
Bloke I’ve forgotten
Who’s left?

[Hound]

Yeah no mention of AH being available for Saturday on the official so assuming it’s QPR before he can play

Can add Tetek and Bristow to your team above

[WestYorksRoyal]

With the reinforcements on their way and hopefully having time to bed in over the international break, a win here would see us reasonably well set up for the season

[Zip]

Yeah no mention of AH being available for Saturday on the official so assuming it’s QPR before he can play

Can add Tetek and Bristow to your team above

....and Hoilett

[Hound]

Yeah no mention of AH being available for Saturday on the official so assuming it’s QPR before he can play

Can add Tetek and Bristow to your team above

....and Hoilett

Oh yeah. Add in Rahman, Halilovic and a striker and it’s a pretty solid team tbf

[Zip]

Yeah no mention of AH being available for Saturday on the official so assuming it’s QPR before he can play

Can add Tetek and Bristow to your team above

....and Hoilett

Oh yeah. Add in Rahman, Halilovic and a striker and it’s a pretty solid team tbf

Baba confimred. It's looking a heck of a lot better

[WestYorksRoyal]

....and Hoilett

Oh yeah. Add in Rahman, Halilovic and a striker and it’s a pretty solid team tbf

Baba confimred. It's looking a heck of a lot better

Hopefully they can gel quickly. Pauno has strengths and weaknesses like any manager. I feel like his tactics and subs can be suspect, but he's an excellent team builder and man manager which bodes well with several late signings.

Of course, sympathy for Pauno now turns into pressure for Pauno.

[Snowflake Royal]

If a player we sign has played in reserve games this season then they are fine for the bench. For us to sign a player today and stick them on the bench without any team training or match time so far this season would be silly and a potential injury waiting to happen.

Be entirely consistent without how chaotically set up our defence.is though.