Reading play host to Nottingham Forest at the Madejski Stadium in a battle for three points in the EFL Championship. The visitors have a positive impact of the managerial change on the results and have only suffered one defeat in their last ten fixtures. They have a six points advantage over the hosts at the league table.
Reading ended their four-match losing streak and earned a 2-1 away victory over Birmingham City in the previous fixture. The Royals attempted 12 shots with a 33.33% shot accuracy rate. They created 34 positional attacks, with half of the shots attempted from inside the opposition’s penalty box.
The threat creation zones show that Reading created chances from both the flanks. Reading players tried to get inside the box from the left side of the play. 16 passes were attempted into the opposition’s penalty area with nine successfully delivered. Ovie Ejaria attempted three smart passes and they landed in the opposition’s penalty area. He also created the highest threat with his passes.
Reading have scored 22 goals but have one of the leakiest defense in the EFL Championship. The Royals have conceded 28 goals with an xGA of 29.06. They have managed to attempt 165 shots towards the opposition target and 54 have been on target.
John Swift has been one of the top performers in the league this season. The midfielder has managed to score on eight occasions and also has seven assists to his name. Junior Hoilett, Michael Morrison, Tom McIntyre, Yakou Meite, Femi Azeez, Lucas Joao, and Andy Rinomhota are unavailable for this match due to their injuries. Alen Halilovic remains doubtful for this game.
Nottingham Forest is unbeaten in their last seven away games and won their previous match against Preston North End. Forest players attempted ten shots, scoring three past the opposition goalkeeper. The team has earned 21 points since Chris Hughton was sacked. Although Preston North End created more attacks, the Nottingham Forest defense made sure Brice Samba earned his third clean sheet of the season.
Nottingham Forest have scored 23 goals so far this season and conceded 22. The xG rate of the team is 19.43, and 178 shots have been attempted towards the opposition goal. They have managed to hit the target 63 times, with 37 shots on target being attempted from inside the opposition’s penalty box.
Lewis Grabban has returned to form for the visitors. He has scored eight goals and also has an assist to his name. Youngster Brennan Johnson has also made some goal contributions. The 20-year-old has three goals and four assists to his name. Loic Mbe Soh, Jordi Osei-Tutu, and Rodrigo Ely are unavailable for this match. The manager will go with an unchanged playing XI after their impressive win in the previous match.
Nottingham Forest’s recent form will be a concern for the hosts. Reading are on a poor run lately and are dependent a lot upon John Swift. Their other players have to step up to revive their season. Nottingham Forest will look to continue their good run and move into the top half of the table.
