They don't come much bigger than this. Reading face Fulham at the Madejski Stadium this evening in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, with the prize being a trip to Wembley for a shot at promotion to the Premier League. Both Fulham and Reading will fancy their chances of securing the win for a huge day out, in a fixture that has to be settled tonight. The Royals did all that was asked of them on Saturday evening, leaving Craven Cottage with a 1-1 draw to bring the tie back to the Madejski Stadium, and get home advantage, on level terms. It feels like we are half way there and on track to finish the job, but Fulham won't be too disappointed with the draw in the first leg and have their excellent away form this season to call on.
Things couldn't have looked better for the Royals on Saturday when the excellent Jordan Obita put Reading ahead on 53 mintues with a fantastic low effort from the left that found the back of the net off the far post. With an hour gone Reading had looked comfortable and we dared dream of bringing a win back home. However, Fulham equalised from Cairney with 65 minutes on the clock. Paul McShane was given a straight red on 80 minutes for a late challenge with his foot way off the ground, but Reading held firm despite playing with ten men. The great result was overshadowed by Jordan Obita staying on the floor after the referee's final whistle with what looked like could be a serious injury to his ankle.
Paul McShane will definitely be missing through suspension and Obtia remains a doubt after that late injury. Ilori came off the bench after McShane's sending off on Saturday and will now most likely start in McShane's place. Stam will have to shuffle around his defence, but we will all be hoping Obita has recovered after such an important role on Saturday. Gareth McCleary was an unused substitute on Saturday after coming back from injury but seems almost certain to play a part tonight.
Reading finished the season with the best home record in the entire Championship after winning 16 of our 23 home fixtures during the regular season. That impressive set of wins of course included a 1-0 victory over Fulham. Fulham's away record was only bettered by Champions Newcastle United. Impressive as it may be, the statistics still point to a Reading victory. However, the bookmakers still disagree, and it is Fulham listed as favourites to complete the win over Reading and go on to Wembley.
The tie is so finely balanced that anything could happen - and probably will. It should be quite some night at the Madejski Stadium. Away goals don't count in the play-offs so if the game is drawn, whatever the scoreline, the game will go to extra-time and potentially penalties. You wouldn't bet against the game going the distance. It's a game you really wouldn't want to miss, which makes it amazing that Reading have been unable to sell out the fixture. Tickets are still available to buy on-line and by telephone for both the Upper West and the South Stand.
Play-Off Second Leg: Huge Night Ahead
From the Discussion
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SU Sutekh 14 May 2017 · 10:12am
https://kit.genesissports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1024px-Reading_FC.svg_-300x300.png http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Team/England/Crest/fulham.png?w=300&h=300 Well it's in the hands of Reading Football Club still and that's all you could ask for. As ever though with Reading if it's going to be done, it's going to have to be done the hard way with no Paul McShane and quite possibly no Jordan Obita and if there's one team you really didn't want to have half your defence ripped out for it's Fulham. So Jaap now has to perm another defensive line. He has options but if Obita is gone as well it is very much make do and mend. As…
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TF Top Flight 14 May 2017 · 10:21am
https://kit.genesissports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1024px-Reading_FC.svg_-300x300.png http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/Team/England/Crest/fulham.png?w=300&h=300 The biggest factor though has to be the supporters. There really needs to be effort from ALL stands CONTINUALLY throughout the game and none of the pathetic library quality atmosphere that has been about throughout most of the season. Fans need to be noisy and right behind every move of the players, they need to make sure Fulham do not feel welcome during the game and be on the back of the referee for every decision. URZ You can count me in. I will be extremely loud…
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TC The Cap 14 May 2017 · 10:34am
Sutekh wrote: Another option is to totally alter the formation by moving Gunter over to left back and asking Tennai Watson to step in at right back. Lastly there's always the option of Reece Oxford for what would be the biggest game of his career so far. Are you confident that Tennai could handle the pressures of such a big occasion? So looking forward to this game and, as you say, we all need to play our part. Well, as I've said elsewhere, I'm normally in Y25 and now fate has placed me in the South Stand for this one. I'll certainly be looking to get the picnic brigade going. And going. And going........ :wink:
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GH glass half full 14 May 2017 · 10:36am
All together: "You call us 'tinpot', we DON'T CARE!" :lol:
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TF Top Flight 14 May 2017 · 10:37am
I think Tennai could handle it. He is a classy player. He's got all the attributes. We have a good squad. Stam is confident in the squad. And so am I.
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BO bobby1413 14 May 2017 · 10:52am
No one likes us No one likes us We are tin pot Really tinpot We are the Reading from the South
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RJ Royal_jimmy 14 May 2017 · 11:27am
Obita probably won't be fit for Tuesday. I can see Tiago coming in for McShane with Blackett playing left back. I can see Evans and Van den Berg playing behind Swift, Williams and Kelly with Kermorgant up front. I can't see McCleary being risked albeit just off the bench
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TM tidus_mi2 14 May 2017 · 12:51pm
I would imagine Kelly will have recovered from his illness so will be back Tuesday, I think he could well be key to a victory.