Can the Royals fight off last season’s League Two playoff winners and secure three points?
After the international break the Reading players who weren’t on international duty will be well rested, and to those who were on international duty, congratulations for appearing for your national team, but now it’s time to focus on club football again.
Reading had a game postponed just before the international break, which could have stopped momentum a little bit, but hopefully the club can return with a win.
Crawley Town have had two matches since Reading played last and lost them both: 5-3 to Shrewsbury Town in the league and 4-3 to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy.
In this preview I’m going to talk about how the visitors line up - tactically and who they will use - as well as predictions for the next five games and where it may lead each club for the rest of the season And, of course, my predicted lineup.
What? League One matchday 10
Season? 2024/25
Who? Crawley Town
Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium
When? Saturday October 19
Time? 12:30
Opposition manager? Rob Elliot
Crawley Town line up in a 3-4-3 variant and tend to try and play a more possession-based game than some opponents we’ve faced this season.
This 3-4-3 system allows them to switch up their front three, enabling them to change from one centre-forward to two, letting Ronan Darcy roam in the attacking-midfield position, almost playing as a shadow striker, making runs to draw defenders away so the two up front can have space when they receive the ball.
In their last league game it wasn’t the scoring that was the problem, Crawley conceded five to what seems to be quite a poor Shrewsbury Town side. Being 2-1 up had them in slight control of the game until Josh Flint managed to get two yellow cards in three minutes, getting himself sent off, meaning not only were they down to 10 men, but he’s also unavailable for the game this weekend.
This means Joe Mukena is likely to step into that spot against Reading, allowing something a little different on that right-hand side. He adds more pace to the side, enabling more fluid attacks.
I think the player to look out for is their new loanee Bradley Ibrahim. The ex-Arsenal youngster left on a free transfer last season to Hertha Berlin from Arsenal and looks to be a well-driven holding midfielder.
At only 19, he has made that position his own next to Jai Williams. The youngster has great vision, allowing him to thread the ball to the forward players, but his main attribute is his outstanding composure in possession, mixed with his great feet when under pressure.
I would suggest to the Reading midfielders that we don’t press him but more try to intercept the passes he makes.
Here is how I think they will line up.
Exeter City vs Reading
Reading vs Bristol Rovers
Stockport County vs Reading
Reading vs Fleetwood Town (FA Cup)
Cheltenham Town vs Reading (EFL Trophy)
Obviously, you will see my prediction for this game at the end of the preview, but going into the next five games, I would say the Royals should win at least three of them: Exeter, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham. I think Stockport will be a very difficult game but I have hope that we could come out with at least a draw.
The Fleetwood game is another that could challenge the Royals, but I feel we have a good chance of progressing through to the next round, where I predict we will face one of the Welsh teams.
Crawley Town vs Lincoln City
Northampton Town vs Crawley Town
Maidenhead United vs Crawley Town (FA Cup)
Burton Albion vs Crawley Town
Crawley Town vs Huddersfield Town
If we are being realistic, Crawley have the capability to get good points in two, maybe three of these matches. I think they could beat Burton Albion and they should be winning at Maidenhead, but I completely understand League One clubs losing to non-league sides… (flashbacks to Eastleigh).
There is a possibility that they get a point from the Northampton game but I feel that may be it. I think it’s going to be a difficult time for Crawley, unless they can do anything in the transfer window in January.
David Button will be in goal but it’s seeming promising for Joel Pereira, who looks to return from injury next week.
The defence should consist of Michael Craig, Amadou Mbengue, Tyler Bindon and Kelvin Abrefa. Although it could have been Jeriel Dorsett, he’s not set to return for this game.
The midfield will stay strong and consistent. Ben Elliott, Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs will be there to hopefully play how I suggested and intercept some passes.
The attack should also stay largely consistent in Chem Campbell and Sam Smith, with Adrian Akande coming in for the suspended Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan.
Score prediction: 2-0 Royals
Make sure to support the lads and fill the stadium.
Come on you ROYALS!
