Reading vs Stoke
Sunday, 12:00
Live on Sky Sports
Tough Reading Comprehension
It's difficult to get a read on Paul Ince's side so far this season. There's no doubting they've outperformed expectations, but for every strong performance, there's been an equally weak one.
Three of their wins have been convincing, but in all three defeats they have been comfortably inferior. They've taken the second fewest shots in the division, and have relied on some strong defensive displays and some hot finishing.
So, which Reading team will turn up here? Reading were thumped 0-4 in midweek against a strong Sheffield United side, and their reaction to that result will be crucial.
But they've won 3/3 at home, showing a lot of grit, and the fans are wholly supportive of their team even in difficult spells.
Neil To Stoke Potters Fire
Alex Neil is a manager that should be admired and feared across the Championship.
He is excellent at getting his ideas across, training his teams to be excellent out of possession and generally getting a tune out of the attacking players at his disposal.
But it's early days in his Stoke tenure, and he's hindered by the fact that five guaranteed starters are currently injured: Josh Tymon, Josh Laurent, Nick Powell, Harry Souttar and Harry Clarke.
Stoke's performance in a 1-1 draw with Swansea was encouraging, and they deserved to win the game on balance of play.
They have the stronger starting XI and bench options, but they may not yet be dancing to Neil's tune.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
It's hard to imagine either team coming out all guns blazing here. Paul Ince will likely look to keep it tight and hope for a Stoke mistake.
The Potters have a few areas of weakness due to injury, and it's difficult to imagine they'll be firing on all cylinders. Expect an even first period.
But Alex Neil is a manager that's worth getting onside. With Stoke's superior bench options, they can finish strongly.
Back Draw/Stoke in the Half Time/Full Time market at 5.5.
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