Reading vs Stoke City

Will the 'new manager bounce' effect haunt the Royals today?

Up top, Long comes in for Joao following an underwhelming couple of performances for the latter, who may need a bit more time to get himself back up to speed. I can’t help but feel the appointment of the Scot was a shrewd one with his previous promotion-winning experience at Norwich City - and they have also weakened a league rival in the process with the 41-year-old leaving Sunderland to take up this post. In fairness, taking Holmes out of the starting lineup could be disruptive too. Considering the latter was released from Metz earlier this summer and probably doesn’t live in England at this stage, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s staying at the club hotel and with that, he may stay put for a bit longer. The Potters will be hoping to pick up their form following the appointment of Alex Neil, something that was seen as a coup by many considering he was progressing well at Sunderland before his switch to the bet365 Stadium. Leaving Tom Holmes out was a difficult decision, but Junior Hoilett didn’t do much wrong at Bramall Lane and probably deserves to start ahead of Holmes who wasn’t at his best.

Our verdict on how each Reading FC player fared against Stoke City in the Championship at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday lunchtime.

Missed a glorious opportunity towards the end of the first half when he guided the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score. Clever at finding spaces to make himself available for passes and pressed the Stoke players hard. Plenty of effort as usual from the former Stoke man who never stopped running, but lacked an end product at times. Brilliant in the air and kept calm under pressure late on. Brought back into the side with Loum absent from the matchday squad. Helped stretch the game in the second half with several bursts of pace down the left and set up the penalty with a cross into the box. Superb defensive performance, with a number of headers away and blocks. Great shift as usual, bombing up and down the flank. Was in the wrong place at the wrong time, though, as Wilmot's shot deflected off him and over Lumley for the Potters' equaliser. Gave Reading the perfect start with a fine finish after a horrendous mistake by Stoke no.1 Jack Bonham and made no mistake from the spot with a powerful, precise finish after he was fouled in the box. Didn't have a huge amount to do but was solid when called upon. Could have scored late on and could also have won his side a penalty when he was fouled right on the edge of the box.

It's a 12pm kick-off on Sunday, September 4. Is the match live on television? Yes, it will be shown live on Sky Sports Football from 11.30am and online for Sky ...

But their good start had been a real bonus, and Paul Ince knows what the expectations are for his side this season. “Alex Neil didn’t get the win he would have wanted in his first game in charge, but nicking a late point like they did sometimes feel just as good. Neil said: "If you look at Reading so far I think their home performances have been stronger than away so that will make it a difficult game to start. Neil is looking for the first win of his time as manager, having drawn at home with Swansea on Wednesday thanks to a last minute equaliser from Tyrese Campbell. - Having won each of their first three home games in the Championship this season, Reading are looking to win four in a row on home soil in the league for the first time since October 2020 (4 in total in that run). [Stoke City defender seals loan move to Oldham Athletic](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-oldham-transfer-david-okagbue-7541641) [Stoke City's 'biggest problem' highlighted in £1.7bn transfer gap](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-city-transfer-ffp-efl-7539786) [Darrell Clarke's message about fans and Liam McCarron's move from Stoke City to Port Vale](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liam-mccarron-stoke-port-vale-7538898) [Alex Neil bounce is a real thing as Stoke City hope for Norwich and Preston effect](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-alex-neil-7539365) [The quote that stood out from Alex Neil's first week as Stoke City manager](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-alex-neil-manager-7537846) You look across that team and they've got good players. - Since the start of last season, no player has scored more away league goals for Stoke than Lewis Baker (7), with the midfielder netting both of their goals on the road so far this term. - Reading are looking to record consecutive league wins over Stoke for the first time since winning four in a row between 2004 and 2006. - Stoke City have won just one of their last 17 away league matches against Reading (D7 L9), a 3-0 win in November 2020. [Sky Sports pundit David Prutton](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11938403/david-pruttons-sky-bet-championship-predictions) predicts a 2-0 Stoke win, saying: “It was a jolt back to reality for Reading in midweek. Nick Powell (knee) has returned to training this week but Josh Tymon (ankle), Josh Laurent (ankle), Gavin Kilkenny (groin), Dujon Sterling (described as a niggling injury), Harry Souttar (knee) and Harry Clarke (shin) are still recovering.

Reading vs Stoke City: Match Preview 2022/23. Reading will be looking to get themselves back on track this afternoon in front of the TV cameras as they face ...

Reading – Stoke City 29.07.2022 We say: Reading 2-1 Stoke City … Huddersfield Town – Burnley 30.07.2022

The Royals' impressive home form continued this afternoon as Stoke City were beaten 2-1 thanks to a brace from Lucas Joao!