On Sky
Southampton make a lunchtime trip to bottom-of-the-table side Reading on Saturday for a 12.45pm kick-off at Madejski Stadium.
Saints beat Reading at St Mary’s earlier this season and will be looking for the second leg victory for a double.
Saints have shown a good amount of improvement since Mauricio Pochettino took over the reins where as the Royals have lost their last six Premier League matches.
This obviously points towards a Saints away day win but there is also the Nigel Adkins factor to consider. Nigel was replaced in the middle of January by Mauricio and Saints seem to have gained having him at the helm.
Nigel will be keen to avoid defeat if he can’t manage the win and will surely have his team raring to go from the whistle. In the same way I expect our team to have enough desire to show Nigel that we are an improved outfit since he left.
For Reading, the match must surely be considered as make-or-break with the Royals currently propping up the table and currently seven points adrift of Wigan in 17th place.
Defeat for them will hurt much more than if it was us that loses.
Vital Quotes:
Reading Team News:
Goalkeeper Artur Boruc was withdrawn at half-time last Saturday after complaining of dizziness, but is expected to be back in contention at the Madejski.
Adam Lallana will again be assessed before the game before a decision is made about him playing.
Player to watch: Jay Rodriguez
Jay has really turned it on of late and will be one of our main threats if he continues in the same vein.
Saints Team News:
Reading hope to have รข??keeper Alex McCarthy back from a long-term shoulder injury. Saturday may come too soon however for the shot stopper, with Stuart Taylor likely to remain between the posts for the Royals.
Player to watch: Jobi McAnuff
Jobi could prove a thorn in Saints side if they allow him room to manoeuvre.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Mike Jones will referee Saturday’s game, and he will be assisted by Mr P Kirkup and Mr S Burt. Phil Dowd is the fourth official.
Match Prediction:
Reading 1 Saints 3
