Towards the bottom of the Championship there’s a real ‘six-pointer’ between Reading and Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon at the Madejski Stadium with both teams heading into this clash level on 29 points apiece and a precious three points at stake in their bid to avoid relegation.
Reading suffered their first defeat in four matches in the Championship when they came a cropper away at Sheffield United, losing in a heavy 4-0 defeat at Bramall Lane, but recent results suggests that Reading are still fighting a brave battle against relegation down to League One.
The appointment of Portuguese manager, Jose Gomes has instilled a new steel and belief amongst The Royals camp and this has transferred onto the pitch as the Berkshire outfit have picked up points against Bolton Wanderers, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday in 1-1, 0-0 and 0-0 draws respectively, along with a much needed 2-1 home win over Blackburn Rovers.
Results have also improved on home turf too as The Royals have registered wins against Nottingham Forest and the aforementioned Blackburn in two of their last three at home. Midfielder Meite (6 goals) along with forwards Bodvarsson (7 goals) and Baldock (5 goals) provide the goal threat for the hosts.
However, the hosts can score and concede goals in equal measure and this is reflected with 9 of Reading’s 16 home matches seeing both teams score.
Rotherham United may occupy third from bottom place in the Championship and therefore a relegation spot ahead of their trip down to Reading this Saturday afternoon, but they too have reason to be confident ahead of this clash as The Millers have drawn their last four on the trot in the second tier.
Whilst Rotherham are picking up points in stalemates they’re not losing and that’s suited manager Paul Warne as he’s seen his side continue to fight against the drop and draws against Millwall, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday have kept them in the frame for Championship survival.
However, the fact remains that Rotherham are still yet to record an away win this season as they possess a poor record on the road of W0 D6 L10 scored 10, conceded 27 goals, so backing the visitors for a win here would seem almost foolish.
Instead, the draw holds some appeal but both sides really need all three points here, so instead, both teams to score could be the most likely result in this encounter.