When : Saturday 6 November 2021, 3pm
Where : St Andrews, Birmingham, B9 4RL
Capacity : 30,016
The shambles that is Reading’s season continues on Saturday with a visit to “bogey” Birmingham. With the 9 points deduction looming large as well this season is more or less already a case of damage limitation.
Brum are on a run of 3 straight wins after having immediately previously had a run of 7 with only 2 draws so at the moment they’re probably in the inconsistent bracket but nevertheless that’s more than enough of a proposition for a team in Reading’s current state.
Birmingham have Deeney and Hogan up front (oh joy) and if that doesn’t work then, as if by magic, Jutkiewicz will appear from the bench so more than enough for whatever there is left of the Reading squad by the time Saturday comes round.
The Blues have three players out injured; Adan George, Tahih Chong and Kristian Pedersen while Reading are now looking at 12+ injuries
- Tetek, McIntyre, Joao, Morrison, Azeez, Meite, Araruna, Yiadom, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Hoilett and Halilovic. On top of that Moore is probably doubtful and Swift and Southwood had a couple of heavy knocks v Millwall as well.Referee
Thomas “100% winning Reading record” Bramall
Previously...
02 Oct 21 > Cardiff City 0-1 Reading
Historically
It took Reading until 1986 before they managed a game of any sort against Birmingham and of the first nine league games played between the sides, seven ended in draws. To me it just seems that the fixture has subsequently struggled with an air of dour tedium ever since.
Since 1986 the two teams have become fairly regular opponents in the league (this is the 20th season together) and have played each other in the thre highest tiers in the league.
While Birmingham are starting to become a bit of the proverbial bogey team (on the positive side, that's showing an improvement in Reading's overall league status as I remember when bogey team used to be Bury!) Reading do seem to do slightly better against the Blues in their own back yard as the Biscuitmen have recorded 7 wins which is only one less than Birmingham themselves.
Usually there are goals in this game and a clean sheet for either side is a bit unlikely so who would bet against the first ever 0-0 at St Andrews?
How to follow the game (should you be that desperate)
- Get a ticket and go
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use a RoyalsTV subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM ; 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4, BBC iPlayer Radio (other radio apps are available ))
i thought he played really well the other night and just needs that break.
