Reading look to continue their unbeaten start to the new season as they welcome Watford to the Madejski Stadium in Saturday’s big Championship clash.
At least a point could see Reading return into the top two if not the Championship summit if Bristol City fail to win at Nottingham Forest.
Watford meanwhile could leapfrog the Royals and Robins into second with victory if they both lose alongside Swansea.
Team News
Lucas Joao could be available for Reading after recovering from a dislocated shoulder in last weekend’s away win at Cardiff City, although a last minute decision will be taken on whether the Portuguese striker is risked in the matchday squad.
Felipe Araruna (knee) is ruled out alongside John Swift (hamstring) and Andy Yiadom (knee).
Watford could be without club captain, Troy Deeney after the striker suffered a knock in training this week.
Andre Gray (hamstring), Isaac Success (Achilles), Will Hughes (unspecified), Gerard Deulofeu, Daryl Janmaat (both knee) and Adam Masina (unspecified) remain ruled out with majority expected to return after the international break.
Stat Attack
- Reading have won just two of their last six league meetings against Watford in all competitions (W2, D1, L3).
- Watford are unbeaten in their last six trips to Reading (W3, D3).
- Lucas Joao has scored two goals in three league appearances for Reading this season.
Prediction
Reading have made a great start to the season despite having a temperamental manager in Veljko Paunovic but have managed to somehow get the attacking quality firing on all cylinders, which is a positive sign if compare to performances from last season.
Watford however have a similar manager in Vladmir Ivic but the Hornets haven’t exactly impressed with a pair of scrappy narrow wins and a goalless draw, which is a slight concern for a team which should be really pushing for wins more than they’re currently doing.
Both teams however are getting results by hook or crook despite having temperamental managers who are capable of switching formations when they want to, so this could very well be a competitive clash despite Reading’s poor recent record against Watford
Prediction: Reading 1-1 Watford
Result: Reading 1-0 Watford
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