MATCHWATCH : Middlesbrough (h)

[Norfolk Royal]

Wouldn't mind betting Morrison has another go at running through an entire defence, slipping a quick one-two and then dinking it over the keeper. Wouldn't it be wonderful it if came off again?

[Royals and Racers]

Moore and Puscas playing for the U23`s today.

[tidus_mi2]

Moore and Puscas playing for the U23`s today.

Probably means they'll be on the bench again tomorrow.

[Hendo]

Moore and Puscas playing for the U23`s today.

Probably means they'll be on the bench again tomorrow.

Yep, good chance to build up some match fitness. I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore come off the bench tomorrow if/when the game is secure. I think Puscas will probably come on around the 60-70 minute mark.

[skipper]

Silly question, but why do the u23s play a different formation to the first team?

Surely we should be prepping them for the first-team action. Puscas won't get any benefit from playing 2 upfront if he's expected to be a 1 upfront type of player when he comes on as a sub! Same goes for our midfield.

[Vision]

Silly question, but why do the u23s play a different formation to the first team?

Surely we should be prepping them for the first-team action. Puscas won't get any benefit from playing 2 upfront if he's expected to be a 1 upfront type of player when he comes on as a sub! Same goes for our midfield.

Can't say I've seen any U-23 stuff this season to comment really ( not gonna stop me obvs ) but looking at the team it could just as easily mirror the 1st Team's 4-2-3-1 formation with Puscas or Melvin-Lambert playing slightly deeper as much as 4-4-2 or even 4-3-3.

[Nameless]

Silly question, but why do the u23s play a different formation to the first team?

Surely we should be prepping them for the first-team action. Puscas won't get any benefit from playing 2 upfront if he's expected to be a 1 upfront type of player when he comes on as a sub! Same goes for our midfield.

Perhaps it was more about giving players game time and playing a formation that fitted the players ?
I suspect Puscas really wouldn’t have needed a run out in the U23s to learn how the first team play.

[Snowflake Royal]

Silly question, but why do the u23s play a different formation to the first team?

Surely we should be prepping them for the first-team action. Puscas won't get any benefit from playing 2 upfront if he's expected to be a 1 upfront type of player when he comes on as a sub! Same goes for our midfield.

Perhaps it was more about giving players game time and playing a formation that fitted the players ?
I suspect Puscas really wouldn’t have needed a run out in the U23s to learn how the first team play.

Yeah this. Ideally you want them playing similarly.

But far better to play a way that gets as many of your best prospects getting game time than to play a rigid system to match your first team and have someone left out because they're second best for that formation and don't fit another position.

[windermereROYAL]

Just seen 1 point in the last 8 games against this lot. been a real jinx in the last 4 years. we`re due a good result that's for sure.

[Sutekh]

One worrying oddity starting to brew, Reading have not won a game on a Saturday since 2nd January....

[tidus_mi2]

One worrying oddity starting to brew, Reading have not won a game on a Saturday since 2nd January....

That's 2 league games and the cup game, I really think you're over-reacting.

[Hendo]

One worrying oddity starting to brew, Reading have not won a game on a Saturday since 2nd January....

That's 2 league games and the cup game, I really think you're over-reacting.

Lol. It’s like when commentators say “they haven’t beaten X in 40 years” go back through the stats, they’ve played 2 league games and a league cup second round game in that time. Stupid.

[Sutekh]

One worrying oddity starting to brew, Reading have not won a game on a Saturday since 2nd January....

That's 2 league games and the cup game, I really think you're over-reacting.

Lol. It’s like when commentators say “they haven’t beaten X in 40 years” go back through the stats, they’ve played 2 league games and a league cup second round game in that time. Stupid.

Not saying it’s a thing at the moment but it’s just something to watch for all those who like these sorts of strange facts.

[bcubed]

They did a job on Norwich the other week (was on Sky) lots of cynical fouls, disrupting play and all long diagonal balls.

This is Millwall part 2, with part 3 & 4 in our following 2 games, we need to work out how to counter these type of sides.

Yeah.

Holmes at RB? Even at RB his physical presence is much needed against physical sides.

I agree

[Hound]

Not sure particularly why but really missing not being able to go and watch this properly today

Think it’s cos the weather’s a bit warmer and brighter. Maybe it’s not having the chance to boo pantomime villain Colin

[Royals and Racers]

Does anyone have an inkling/guess on how many ifollow £10 match day video subscriptions are purchased by Royals fans for matches like today`s which aren`t on red button ?

[Royals and Racers]

1 change- Laurent replaces Esteves

[Sutekh]

[genome]

Nice team, horrible midfield depth in our squad though

[Mid Sussex Royal]

No Meite again - hope there's some positive news on him after the game.