MillersMad Match Thread - The Millers v Reading FC.

[Heliosphan]

It’s (almost) matchday! And our guests on Saturday at the NYS are Reading FC.

The Manager: Rubén Sélles, appointed 26/6/23. Sélles previously worked as assistant to Ralph Hasenhuttl during the season when Southampton were last relegated. He took over as permanent manager when Nathan Jones left but was unable to keep the Saints in the Prem and departed the club in the summer of 2023.

Top Scorer(s): Sam Smith & Charlie Savage, both 3 goals. Sam Smith got 15 goals for Reading last season in 34 league appearances.

League Position:12th

Player(s) to watch: Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith scored 32 goals between them for Reading last season (in all competitions). Also in their ranks are former Millers loanee Lewis Wing and also Charlie Savage (Robbie's son).

Referee: Ben Toner

Previous Millers games:

17/9/2019
Sunderland 1 Millers 1 (L1)
(SFC 3 yellows, RUFC 0 yellows)
(0 Pens)

27/3/2018 Northampton 0 Millers 3 (L1)
(NTFC 1 yellow, RUFC 3 yellow)
(0 Pens)

Current Odds @ SkyBet
Millers 11/10 Draw 11/5 Reading 2/1

Quick Preview
Reading come into this game sitting on 13 points, 12 of which were earned at home with only 1 point being gained on the road. However a quick glance at the teams they've played away from home provides a little more context…

Bolton 5 v 2 Reading
Wrexham 3 v 0 Reading
Colchester 2 v 2 Reading (EFL Cup)
Birmingham 1 v 1 Reading

Despite disappointing results away from home, their home form has looked pretty solid and they come into the game on Saturday having secured back-to-back home victories against Huddersfield and Burton, 2-1 and 3-1 respectively. So they'll be visiting the NYS with a healthy dose of confidence and looking to make it 3 straight wins. It'll be a tough test for us.

Meanwhile we go into the game off the back of an away win but also with a thoroughly unconvincing performance. The Cambridge game was, for the most part, utterly shambolic from both sides and we’ll need to increase our performance levels exponentially if we’re going to get anything out of the game on Saturday. Can we do that? I think we can and I'm predicting the Millers to win 3-1.

Blind optimism? We'll find out at 5pm on Saturday.

Enjoy the game everyone and…

​UP THE MILLERS!

[UlleyMiller]

Good intro.

Difficult to know which Reading turn up, and difficult to know if we'll be carrying some energy out of the Cambridge win. Genuinely have no idea which way this will go, or by how much. Above all else, I just hope we turn up with a positive formation and a bit of intent from the lads.

[Citizen Erased]

Good test of where we actually are.

Reading are likely an upper mid table team as it stands. If we want to be pushing into that top 10 we need to put them to the sword at home.

Will we? Don't know.

[ragingpup]

I like these contextual intros Helio. As someone that isn't watching the table much at the mo, it gives me a good idea what were facing. Thanks you!

[CTMilller]

I really like this format, Heliospan, and appreciate the research you’re putting into it each week.

Despite their poor away record it’s notable that Reading are the only team so far this season to have taken points off Birmingham. It was admittedly the first game of the campaign but it was away so they are no mugs.

Tough one. If we turn up and play, the points could be ours. Obvious statement, I know, but it’s not likely to be a contest like Cambridge where luck prevailed despite poor quality football.

[Brin]

I really like this format, Heliospan, and appreciate the research you’re putting into it each week.

Despite their poor away record it’s notable that Reading are the only team so far this season to have taken points off Birmingham. It was admittedly the first game of the campaign but it was away so they are no mugs.

Tough one. If we turn up and play, the points could be ours. Obvious statement, I know, but it’s not likely to be a contest like Cambridge where luck prevailed despite poor quality football.

CT, IF Evans uses his head and starts with opposing wing play for us, then it may well give Reading more to think about instead of just trying to contain our hoof ball. We may even see back to back wins if we get our shots on target. A toss up who starts up front though?

Also thought Kelly might have made it back for tomorrow but doubt he does.

[Brin]

Heliospan, nice informative write up pal.

Now you've set the bar I think we all look forward to seeing a similar pattern ongoing. Well done.

[Nardendee]

I see Sam Smith is up front for Reading. No one scores goals “like he can can can”. Maybe the “writings on the wall”.
“Stay with me”on this. I think the Millers will win this game and “ I’m not the only one” who thinks so.
I “pray” we might win and if we do I will probably be “dancing with a stranger”.

[RU66]

Holmes for Hungbo on the the right in a front 3 with Nombe assuming JCh will be other one not my choice. Powell a clever player on the right of the midfield. Odoffin or Tiehi central Bramall on the left. Keeper Back 4 unchanged.

[caytonmiller]

A strange league so far. We have had a shocking start to the season and we're only 5 points away from 4th position. Any team that can put a small run together will be in the mix.
Cumon u reds