FootyMAD's Reading match preview

Last updated : 30 September 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Footymad preview
History of the Reading v Sheffield United fixture

Sheff. Utd. face a trip to Reading at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon, needing to turn around their fortunes at the ground. The Blades will be hoping to improve upon a record which has seen them ending up on the losing side in more than half of the games played between the two.

The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in April 2005, when they played out a goalless draw in a Championship match.

For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here

Recent encounters between the teams:
2004/2005Sat 02 AprReading0 - 0Sheff. Utd.CHMP
2004/2005Sat 14 AugSheff. Utd.0 - 1ReadingCHMP
2003/2004Sat 28 FebReading2 - 1Sheff. Utd.CHMP
2003/2004Fri 24 OctSheff. Utd.1 - 2ReadingCHMP
2002/2003Tue 18 FebSheff. Utd.1 - 3ReadingCHMP
2002/2003Sat 14 DecReading0 - 2Sheff. Utd.CHMP
1997/1998Sat 14 MarSheff. Utd.4 - 0ReadingCHMP

Recent respective form guides

Reading could not have a more impressive recent home form, having won each of the last six games. In this time, Royals have rattled up an impressive 15 goals, and conceded 4.

Sheff. Utd.'s away form is equally impressive, tasting just one defeat in their last six, and picking up four good wins. The games have constituted a decent return of 10 goals for the Blades, and 3 goals against.

Reading are holding the final promotion place in the Coca Cola Championship, and have accumulated 24 points from the 11 games they have played so far. Sheff. Utd. are leading the way in the Coca Cola Championship, with their 11 games giving them a return of 30 points.

For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here

Current form guides:PWDLFAP
Reading64207314
Sheff. Utd.651010316

FootyMad's prediction ...

Sheff. Utd. are certainly at their peak on the road, though your FootyMad panel sees this as a stern test, and one from which they may have to settle for a draw. Score draw

Sequence statistics:
Reading Won 6 successive home games.
11 games since last home draw.
Unbeaten run of 12 matches.
Sheff. Utd. Undefeated in last 4 away games.
11 games since last defeat.