FT: READING 2 - 1 CARDIFF CITY. Match thread

MATCH FACTS

• Reading lost their last league game against Cardiff in April, having gone 10 games in a row without defeat against them between 2016 and 2021 (W5 D5).
• Following a 2-1 win at the Madejski Stadium last season, Cardiff are looking to win consecutive away league games against the Royals for the first time since September 2001.
• Reading have lost their last four league games in a row, failing to score in each defeat. The Royals last lost five consecutive league matches without netting a goal in March 1998.
• Cardiff have won their last two games in the Championship, despite only attempting a total of six shots across the two (1-0 v Derby and Norwich, three in each).
• The last time they won three in a row in the league without conceding a goal was in December 2020, under Neil Harris.
• Cardiff manager Steve Morison is looking to win three consecutive league games for only the second time as Bluebirds boss, while he is looking to register three consecutive league shutouts for the first time.

Yes, everything points to a 1-0 Reading win. 😥

I'd like Denham to replace Ng for this one but I imagine we'll start with Nelson

Would not start Ralls. Looked way off the pace when he came on last Saturday.
Nelson may have to start but I am worried. Don’t ask him to play out from the back as Morison is urging them to do.
I would keep Watters up front but maybe sub him for Ete at HT

Totally agree. Surprised Nelson survived the clear out

Same team please drive. With Philogene and Etete coming off the bench :ayatollah:

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

Same team please drive. With Philogene and Etete coming off the bench :ayatollah:

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Ng suspended

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Originally Posted by splott parker

Ng suspended

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:facepalm:

Hopefully Denham replaces NG and I'd start with Etete up front

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Originally Posted by olderblue

Hopefully Denham replaces NG and I'd start with Etete up front

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I agree with Denham replacing NG. However, I think Morison will feel Etete hasn't had enough time to familiarise himself with the setup yet.

I can see Philogene getting some game time.

I would rather Ralls and Nelson were not on the pitch at the same time.

0-4 to City. We are going up as champions this season.

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Originally Posted by DubaiDai

Nelson may have to start but I am worried. Don’t ask him to play out from the back as Morison is urging them to do.

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Originally Posted by DubaiDai

Totally agree. Surprised Nelson survived the clear out

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Man's talking to himself here. :hehe:

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Originally Posted by DubaiDai

Would not start Ralls. Looked way off the pace when he came on last Saturday.
Nelson may have to start but I am worried. Don’t ask him to play out from the back as Morison is urging them to do.
I would keep Watters up front but maybe sub him for Ete at HT

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I doubt Ralls will be 1st choice this season, unless as you say he gets sharper, but probably brought on for purely defending 'skills'. Nelson ?Well he can defend for sure, but shows how our squad is perhaps lacking in defensive cover.

Could start McGuinness…Ralls …and Etete today ?
I assume McGuiness was suspended on Saturday, I think he’ll be one of the first names on the sheet this term.

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Originally Posted by G rangetown Blue

Could start McGuinness…Ralls …and Etete today ?
I assume McGuiness was suspended on Saturday, I think he’ll be one of the first names on the sheet this term.

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I lile you, you are a good poster but there is a matchday thread.

It's my mission to get people to use this board properly :-)

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Originally Posted by G rangetown Blue

Could start McGuinness…Ralls …and Etete today ?
I assume McGuiness was suspended on Saturday, I think he’ll be one of the first names on the sheet this term.

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Who would you drop in order to start Ralls?

Ralls looked way off the pace when he came on against Norwich.

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Originally Posted by Rock_Flock_of_Five

Who would you drop in order to start Ralls?

Ralls looked way off the pace when he came on against Norwich.

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I didn’t say I would….but he is our captain….and Morrison obviously likes him,

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Originally Posted by OurManFlint II

I lile you, you are a good poster but there is a matchday thread.

It's my mission to get people to use this board properly :-)

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Sorry mate…it won’t happen again !

I'm expecting just the enforced change with Nelson most likely to come in although both he and Kipre favour the left centre back position. It will be interesting to see if that means McGuinness or Denham whether on the bench or starting.

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Originally Posted by G rangetown Blue

Could start McGuinness…Ralls …and Etete today ?
I assume McGuiness was suspended on Saturday, I think he’ll be one of the first names on the sheet this term.

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I think McGuiness will be an improvement on the suspended Ng. I'm not so sure Ralls should start considering how effective last week's midfield combination proved to be. I'm hoping Etete plays some part today but I'm guessing it might be from the bench.

I don’t see a place for Ralls if I’m honest, although a big fan of his generally I feel he might have been one to have let go.

He said the Villa lad had to train a few weeks with the team to know how we play so I’m assuming it’s the same sign Etete.

Nelson must be favourite to take over from Ng with McGuinness taking his place on the bench and do any of last week’s midfield deserve to be dropped for Ralls to come in? Wouldn’t be surprised to see Harris start instead of Watters mind. Presumably, Philogene and Etete will come into the squad, so it may be Whyte and Tanner, or possibly Sang, to drop out.

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Originally Posted by Dorcus

I think McGuiness will be an improvement on the suspended Ng. I'm not so sure Ralls should start considering how effective last week's midfield combination proved to be. I'm hoping Etete plays some part today but I'm guessing it might be from the bench.

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We agree :thumbup: yep I liked last weeks team and would only change due to the suspension.

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Originally Posted by celticknight

Man's talking to himself here. :hehe:

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maybe forgot to change username :sherlock:

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

Nelson must be favourite to take over from Ng with McGuinness taking his place on the bench and do any of last week’s midfield deserve to be dropped for Ralls to come in? Wouldn’t be surprised to see Harris start instead of Watters mind. Presumably, Philogene and Etete will come into the squad, so it may be Whyte and Tanner, or possibly Sang, to drop out.

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Maybe Watters last chance, I think he will be alright and will score today, knowing that Etete is ready to take over.

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Originally Posted by olderblue

Hopefully Denham replaces NG and I'd start with Etete up front

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I think Watters will start and play well today, Etete will hopefully get 20 mins?

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Originally Posted by Pearcey3

Nowt to do with the woe betide me stuff. It is self inflicted and not bad luck. I’m angry about it. It is unacceptable to have the level of injuries we currently have prior to our first home game. Even the most positive Reading fans are seriously unhappy this morning. This has been ongoing for a long time. We had the worst injury record of all 92 clubs over the past season and here we go again.

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We had loads of injuries with Warnock, I remember last year thinking how few injuries we had in comparison to previous seasons. It must be something to do with the training or fitness levels?

We don't really have many injuries now, so hopefully Morison seems to be doing things right.

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Originally Posted by G rangetown Blue

I didn’t say I would….but he is our captain….and Morrison obviously likes him,

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You were putting forward a suggestion that Ralls might start. Ralls didn't start against Norwich, therefore, for him to be be in the starting eleven would require one of the midfield players, who did start in our first match, dropping to the bench.
So, who do you think would be the unfortunate midfielder to have to make way for Ralls? (I feel I'm repeating myself here :hehe:)

Ralls looked way off the pace when he came on last week when you'd have thought fresh legs time to shine.
Very much doubt he'll start unless somebody has picked up an injury.

Etete off the bench would seem a good ploy IMHO.
If things aren't going our way and a different approach needed, I'm sure he would relish the chance to shine.
Similarly if we are winning, give him some minutes.

McGuinness seems the best option.

anyone know if its on the radio live ?

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Originally Posted by poc

anyone know if its on the radio live ?

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top man <a href="https://twitter.com/Gabbidon35?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gabbidon35</a> gets his 1st look at <a href="https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CardiffCityFC</a> today, alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/MAPoyser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MAPoyser</a> for commentary from <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReadingFC</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioWales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCRadioWales</a> FM/DAB in SE. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bluebirds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blueb irds</a> going or listening, remember to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CallRob?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CallRob </a> from 5.30 - 03700100110; text <a href="https://twitter.com/VickiBlight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VickiBlight</a> on 81012; tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioWales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCRadioWales</a></p>&mdash; Rob Phillips (@robphillipshere) <a href="https://twitter.com/robphillipshere/status/1555833365504344065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top man <a href="https://twitter.com/Gabbidon35?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gabbidon35</a> gets his 1st look at <a href="https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CardiffCityFC</a> today, alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/MAPoyser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MAPoyser</a> for commentary from <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReadingFC</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioWales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCRadioWales</a> FM/DAB in SE. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bluebirds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bluebirds </a> going or listening, remember to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CallRob?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CallRob</a> from 5.30 - 03700100110; text <a href="https://twitter.com/VickiBlight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VickiBlight</a> on 81012; tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioWales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCRadioWales</a></p>— Rob Phillips (@robphillipshere) <a href="https://twitter.com/robphillipshere/status/1555833365504344065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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thanks i get the swansea game where i am

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Originally Posted by poc

thanks i get the swansea game where i am

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Ah damn! 5 pound for a monthly audio pass on the main website if you're keen.

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Originally Posted by Rock_Flock_of_Five

You were putting forward a suggestion that Ralls might start. Ralls didn't start against Norwich, therefore, for him to be be in the starting eleven would require one of the midfield players, who did start in our first match, dropping to the bench.
So, who do you think would be the unfortunate midfielder to have to make way for Ralls? (I feel I'm repeating myself here :hehe:)

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It was just an observation….I hardly know all our players names yet….never mind if they’re any good or not ! I’ll leave it to the manager, he sees them every day :-)

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

Ah damn! 5 pound for a monthly audio pass on the main website if you're keen.

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fingers crossed might have found a way on my phone if it stays on this wavelength

McGuinness for NG would make us a lot more solid at the back. NG is no central defender, he’s far too weak, and suspect in the air. He cost us a few goals with errors last season, and almost gifted another to Norwich on Saturday when he gave the ball away straight to their no.10….thankfully Alsopp pulled off a fine save to stop us going 1-0 down. I think wing back (wide of a 5) is his best position :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by G rangetown Blue

I think wing back (wide of a 5) is his best position :thumbup:

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Would consider Ng as a better full-back personally, certainly don't think he's right at centre-back so I have no clue what Morison is thinking, does he have no faith in the others available?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">��<br><br>One change to the starting XI for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bluebirds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blueb irds</a> - Nelson replacing the suspended Ng.<a href="https://twitter.com/andyrinomhota?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andyrinomhota</a> starts against his former side. Philogene and Etete on the bench.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityA sOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/yyIxXxvYse">pic.twitter.com/yyIxXxvYse</a></p>&mdash; Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC/status/1555901573053677569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Denham over McGuinness on the bench.

Tanner and Whyte the two to miss out as Philogene and Etete make the bench.

Expected O'Dowda in over Sang, a little surprised with that one.