A preview of Reading’s predicted lineup as Jaap Stam’s side host Nottingham Forest – a clash that sees both Championship sides in search of some improved form.
Reading manager Jaap Stam is without Deniss Rakels and Joseph Mendes for the visit of Nottingham Forest, with both forwards still absent through injury. However, full-back Chris Gunter returns to first team action after serving a one-game suspension last weekend and is expected to slot straight back into the lineup.
Stam will be hoping to capitalise on Forest’s poor recent form – which has seen Philippe Montanier’s side win just one of their last nine Championship games – in an attempt to halt his own side’s inconsistencies. Indeed, the Royals’ 1-0 win over Rotherham last weekend was their first victory in five league games.
Despite exiting the EFL Cup at the hands of Arsenal in midweek, Reading can be buoyed by their performance against the Premier League giants – particularly the encouraging display of young forward Dominic Samuel, who may find some further game time against Forest.
Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi will likely play behind a defensive quartet of left back Jordan Obita, Paul McShane, Liam Moore and the returning Gunter at right back. It is expected that George Evans and American Danny Williams will play in central midfield, with England Under-21 international John Swift deployed in a more advanced role behind French forward Yann Kermorgant.
Jamaican international and former Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary should start on the left against his previous employers, and it is anticipated that the two-time Netherlands international Roy Beerens will be given the spot on the opposite flank.
Here’s the predicted Reading lineup in full:
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