Thu Nov 05, 2015 5:07 pm
Date and Time: Saturday 7th November (15.00)
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Referee: Keith Stroud
The Bluebirds take on Reading at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday as pressure begins to build on manager Russell Slade following a first loss to Leeds in over thirty years on Tuesday evening. Reading have started the season promisingly with Steve Clarke’s men just one place and one point outside the play-off’s.
Steve Clarke’s Reading endured a poor season of last but they appear rejuvenated following a series of quality signings. The goals of Nick Blackman have fired the Royals into a good position, Blackman had a slow start to his career in Berkshire after signing in 2013 but he already has a phenomenal eleven goals to his name this season and he doesn’t look like slowing down.
Reading have climbed as high as second already this season but poor form of late has seen them drop down to seventh place. In their last outing, Reading had to come from behind twice at home to Huddersfield, Ola John getting the all-important equalizer with six minutes remaining. Huddersfield manager Chris Powell has since been relieved of his duty’s.
The Royals are now without a win in four and they will be keen to avoid making it five after such a good start to the season. Steve Clarke’s men have earned just two points in their last twelve leading to a slide in their league position. Reading lost 2-1 in their last trip to Cardiff City Stadium in league competition (November 2014) but they have since beaten Cardiff at their home ground in the F.A Cup winning 2-1 (January 2015).
Cardiff are in a poor reign of form their selves, losing in their last outing against Leeds United thanks to a stunning strike from Alex Mowatt. The Leeds win signalled the first against Cardiff for over thirty years and also Leeds’ first home win for over eight months.
The loss on Tuesday was Cardiff’s first in seven games but in that time they have only managed to win two, scoring just one goal in their last six and that was an own goal. The goal drought continues to frustrate Russell Slade who needs to find a resolution and fast. The return of Kenwyne Jones to fitness will be a big boost for the Bluebirds.
With a poor result, Cardiff could drop down as far as thirteenth place on Saturday afternoon so Russell Slade who is already under pressure, may need to produce the good to preserve his job. On the other hand, with a win and the right result, Cardiff could get them selves in or around the play-off’s.
The Bluebirds next three games are all against opposition placed in the top seven, meaning a very tough November for boss Russell Slade who is already starting to receive pressure from fans and possibly the board.
Interesting Fact
The referee for this one is Keith Stroud who has proved a bad luck charm for Cardiff City in recent years. Stroud not only refereed Cardiff’s famous 6-0 loss to Preston but the Bluebirds haven’t won with Stroud in charge since 2008 when they recorded a 1-0 away win over Nottingham Forest. Cardiff are nine games without a win with Keith Stroud in charge.
Team News
Cardiff City
Fabio Da Silva is out for around 4-6 weeks so Scott Malone is sure to keep his place in the starting line-up. Peter Whittingham has reached the yellow card limit so he will serve his one match suspension on Saturday, Anthony Pilkington or Sammy Ameobi are the most likely replacements. Federico Macheda returns to training next week while Idriss Saadi has already returned but he will not feature until after the international break. Ben Turner has begun light training but won’t be fit enough to play until December time while Bruno Manga is out until mid-December. Kenwyne Jones is now considered full fit and is likely to start.
Reading
Aaron Tshibola has missed the last two fixtures due to an ankle injury and it is unlikely he will be risked for this one. Stephen Quinn will continue to miss out due to a long term injury and the former Hull City man will be out until the new year. Cardiff fans will not see the Welsh National Team’s fan favourite Hal Robson-Kanu due to an injury he picked up during the last international break.
Cardiff will need to keep an eye on top-scorer Nick Blackman who has not only scored on demand but dominated games throughout the first quarter of the season. Former FC Porto striker Orlando Sa is another who will provide attacking threat for Reading as well as Watford loanee and well-known prolific Championship striker Matej Vydra who has bags of ability.
Head-to-Head
19 Nov 2011 Reading v Cardiff City W 1-2 League Championship
02 Jan 2012 Cardiff City v Reading W 3-1 League Championship
21 Nov 2014 Cardiff City v Reading W 2-1 League Championship
24 Jan 2015 Cardiff City v Reading L 1-2 FA Cup
04 Apr 2015 Reading v Cardiff City D 1-1 League Championsh