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3 weeks ago
18
Reading host Charlton Athletic on Saturday when the up-and-down form of the hosts comes up against a side that are yet to concede a goal in the league.
The visitors have also won their opening three games and look primed for a promotion push, but this game represents an early test of their credentials.
Match preview
© Imago
Reading come into this game on the back of a 3-0 away defeat at the hands of Wrexham, in what was a result that perhaps flattered the hosts as Reading had more shots and far more possession.
The Royals have shown a proclivity for creating chances so far this season, and a 1-1 draw at promotion-hopefuls Birmingham City being followed up with a commanding 2-0 home win over Wigan Athletic has demonstrated that they could be an outsider for a playoff push if they can tighten up at the back.
Reading finished 17th last season – level on points with Saturday's opponents – and that was all the more impressive considering they had to deal with points deductions, but this term they have already had to come to terms with selling their star winger Femi Azeez to Millwall and experienced holding midfielder Sam Hutchinson leaving the club in June.
They also remain the only EFL side yet to make a single signing this summer, with the much-maligned Dai Young's sale of the club to Rob Couhig dragging on longer than anyone would like, and manager Ruben Selles is going to have to manage what is a thin squad, particularly in the defensive and attacking areas.
Although a small squad, Selles has a young and tireless team at his disposal, with Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Ben Elliott in particular providing a strong midfield spine to facilitate the likes of Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Harvey Knibbs in attack.
© Imago
Charlton meanwhile have been in superb form in the formative weeks of this season, having won all three of their league games without conceding a single goal.
Last time out the Addicks overcame Bolton Wanderers 2-0, with goals from Greg Docherty and substitute Matty Godden sealing the three points.
Charlton have made a stellar start to their campaign and seeing two new signings grabbing the goals in their win over Bolton is sure to be music to the ears of manager Nathan Jones, who has made his side a tough nut to crack.
With the defensive structure being the bedrock of any successful side, the Addicks are looking a formidable outfit with their 3-5-2 formation offering stability and structure to their shape when out of possession.
When in possession, Jones has the likes of Gassan Ahadme, Chuks Aneke, Tyreece Campbell and the aforementioned Godden to win the game with their pace and quality in attack, and they will fancy their chances of hitting Reading on the counter when the two sides meet.
Reading League One form:
Reading form (all competitions):
Charlton Athletic League One form:
Charlton Athletic form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago
Reading have no injury concerns ahead of Saturday's encounter with Charlton, and given their small squad it will be welcome news that Selles can likely select a similar team to the one that was beaten at Wrexham.
If any changes do arise from their last game, Knibbs could come into the fold in one of the attacking positions, and captain Andy Yiadom will be pushing for a starting berth at right-back.
Josh Edwards (ankle) is the only absentee for Charlton, after the defender was injured in the win over Leyton Orient earlier this month.
The manager can otherwise pick from a fully-fit and confident team, with the main selection headaches coming in the middle of the park as Allan Campbell, Luke Berry and Karoy Anderson will all be pushing for starts alongside Docherty and Conor Coventry.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Wing, Elliott, Savage; Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:
Mannion; Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey; Ramsay, Docherty, Coventry, Anderson, Edwards; Campbell, Ahadme
We say: Reading 0-1 Charlton Athletic
While Reading's form has been up and down, they have demonstrated that they can pose a threat to teams if afforded time and space on the ball.
Charlton meanwhile have a miserly defence and have proven that they do not need to have more possession or create more chances than their opponents to take all three points, and Saturday's game could prove to be yet another example of that.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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