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In the book "Soulless Concrete Bowls, How to build them and put them in a place to p*** off travelling supporters" Reading's ground will be up near the top.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Reading vs Blackpool FA Cup 3rd Round: Quick Analysis
02 January 2020 By Hob Nob Anyone?
For most Championship teams, promotion to the Premier League usually comes top of the pre-season wishlist. Reading have made up ground on the top six after four straight league wins over Christmas, but even with that amazing run promotion is still is huge ask with less than half the season left to play. However, a cup run can be a refreshing tonic for fans. It might seem unlikely for Reading to go on a decent run in the competition this year, but as we saw in 2015, the draw can unfold nicely for Championship teams.
The first order of business is, of course, the visit of Blackpool. Here's a preview of the game, and a guide of how the bookmakers see Reading's chances:
The Formbook
Reading pulled out a string of great results over Christmas and top the Championship form table but are still in the bottom half of the table. Fears of a relegation battle have certainly subsided, but the play-offs are still a full eight league places away. A cup run might be the best way to deliver some excitement while we wait to see if our league form can continue. Blackpool are just a few points off the League One Playoff spots. Perhaps the bad news for Royals fans is that Blackpool seem to have a knack of grinding out results away from home, losing just once on the road in the league this season.
The Odds
According to 888sport, Reading are 7/10 to win the game, with Blackpool at 4/1 and the draw at 11/4. However, looking at the stats, this might be the perfect fixture for online live betting as Blackpool tend to score early in games and Reading often leave it late (The Royals have netted 20 times in the second half this season, compared to just nine in the first).
The Blackpool Dangerman
Armand Gnanduillet is Blackpool's leading scorer this season, with the French-born striker finding the net 11 times this season. His all-round game is sometimes lacking though, and Blackpool boss Simon Grayson was forced to drop him earlier in the season. Gnanduillet is one of those players who will do nothing for an entire match and then suddenly pop up with a winner. That makes him a potential headache for Liam Moore and the rest of the Reading defence.
FA Cup Pedigree
Blackpool have made it past the third round just once in the last seven seasons, reaching the 4th round in the 2016/17 season. Unlike Reading, however, they can point to an FA Cup Trophy in the cabinet at Bloomfield Road. That was the "Stanley Matthews' Final" of 1953, but they have not made it beyond the Sixth Round in the 66 intervening years. Reading have had the misfortune of coming up against Manchester United in two out of the last three seasons, but have done well against non-Premier League opposition most seasons, notably during that run to the semis in 2015.
Verdict
This is certainly not a glamour tie, but it should be viewed as an opportunity by Mark Bowen and the team. Some big names - Wolves vs Manchester United, Liverpool vs Everton - have been drawn against each other, and there are lots of ties that feature no Premier League teams so the 4th round draw could be kind to Reading should they overcome Blackpool. Le''s not put the cart before the horse though, and you can see that the bookies are hesitant about making Reading overwhelming favourites; Blackpool are no mugs.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Capacity: 24,161 (all seated) Club Nickname: The Royals Year Ground Opened: 1998
What's the Madejski Stadium like?
The Madejski Stadium was opened in 1998, after spending 102 years at their former home of Elm Park. The stadium is of a fair size and is totally enclosed, with all four corners being occupied. Three sides are single tiered, whilst on one side the West (Main) Stand is two-tiered, including a row of executive boxes. This stand has a curve in its roof and the team dugouts are located in front. Unlike the West Stand, the others stands have a more conventional look to their roofs, although there is a gap between the roofs and the back of the stands, that contains perspex, to allow more light to reach the pitch. The ground has been designed with the supporter in mind as the fans are housed very close to the pitch and the acoustics are very good.
The home end of the stadium on the north side is named the Eamonn Dolan Stand, after their former Youth Academy Manager. The stadium also has a video screen in the South East corner. The stadium, named after Reading's chairman John Madejski is shared with London Irish Rugby Club.
Record Attendance
At The Madejski Stadium: 24,184 v Everton Premier League, 17th November 2012.
At Elm Park: 33,042 v Brentford FA Cup 5th Round, 19th February 1927.
+ STRENGTHS + Creating chances through individual skill: Very Strong Protecting the lead: Very Strong Creating scoring chances: Strong Shooting from direct free kicks: Strong Creating long shot opportunities: Strong Stealing the ball from the opposition: Strong Defending set pieces: Strong
- WEAKNESSES - Finishing scoring chances: Weak Keeping possession of the ball: Weak Defending against long shots: Very Weak Defending against skillful players: Very Weak
READING'S STYLE OF PLAY Take a lot of shots Attack through the middle Non-aggressive Playing in their own half
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
BBC pundit delivers verdict on Reading FC v Blackpool in the FA Cup
Royals host the Tangerines at Madejski Stadium on Saturday
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Reading will have too much for League One Blackpool in their FA Cup third-round encounter on Saturday.
Royals welcome the Tangerines to Madejski Stadium (3.01pm kick-off) looking to make it five wins on the trot.
Mark Bowen's side are the in-form team in the Championship and are heavy favourites to make it into the next round of the competition at the expense of Simon Grayson's side from the league below.
Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson, writing in his predictions column for BBC Sport , said: "Reading are the form team in the Championship at the moment, with four straight wins, while Blackpool have gone five games without a win in League One.
"The Royals are another big, strong, athletic team and they should be able to deal with Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet, who can be a threat with his physicality."
Lawrenson's prediction : Reading 2 Blackpool 0
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
📠Ahead of the game | Tangerine test in FA Cup Third Round
All you need to know as Blackpool visit Madejski Stadium this weekend
Following a fantastic recent run in the league, attentions turn to English football's jewel in the crown...
Reading vs Blackpool Emirates FA Cup, Third Round Saturday 4th January 2020, 3.01pm Madejski Stadium
Reading's involvement in the Emirates FA Cup will begin at the Third Round stage on Saturday afternoon, as League One side Blackpool make the journey south to battle it out for a place in the last 32 of the grand old knockout competition.
This will be the first time that the two sides have ever met in the FA Cup, and it will be a tie of particular interest to the Royals' own Charlie Adam, having enjoyed plenty of success in the past as a Blackpool player between 2009 and 2011.
Since Reading's last meeting with Blackpool in the Championship back in 2015, the Seasiders have had a tough time with on and off-pitch issues seeing them relegated twice in a row.
However, under new ownership and now in their third season back in League One, Simon Grayson's side are progressing well and still harbour ambitions of returning to the second tier come season's end.
While Grayson's side are without a win in five in the league, they still sit near the Play-Off places and will fancy their chances of a cup upset on Saturday afternoon.
Reading, meanwhile, are aiming for their fifth win in a row in all competitions, after a pair of well-earned away wins in the past week.
It's all set up to be a cracking cup tie at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and with discounted ticket prices for this weekend's game, we'd love to see you here in RG2 to back the boys.
Tickets
We are offering superb ticket prices for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie, with Adult tickets costing just £10 before 12noon on matchday.
Prices will rise from midday on Saturday, so make sure you contact our Ticket Office and buy your tickets soon to get the best value for the weekend's cup tie.
For full ticket information, including prices and how you can buy online, head here.
You can also visit our Ticket Office during opening hours or ring 0118 968 1313. Heads Up
You might have noticed that this Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Blackpool kicks off at a rather unusual time: at 3.01pm.
That’s because, across the country, all 32 FA Cup ties this weekend will kick off a minute later than usual to encourage fans to ‘Take A Minute’ to think about looking after their mental health, as part of the Heads Up campaign.
Pre-match chat
Travel
Parking paid on site on arrival on a first-come first-served basis at the cost of £10. There are also other options off site for our fans including buses and Park & Ride.
Please note that contactless payments are now being accepted for matchday parking at Madejski Stadium and the Old Greyhound Stadium.
For details on your full range of travel options, head here.
Match officials
John Brooks will take charge of proceedings at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in his first Emirates FA Cup tie of the season.
Mr Brooks has overseen 15 Championship matches this season, with one clash in League One - a 1-1 draw between Accrington Stanley and Saturday's opponents, Blackpool back in September.
Steven Meredith and Michael Webb will be manning the touchlines on Saturday at Madejski Stadium, with Scott Jackson in reserve as fourth official.
Weather
Saturday 8°C / 6°C Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Food & Drink
Make sure you follow @bluecollarfood on Twitter to find out their latest news, where they’ll be announcing what fantastic food outlets will be located where for the first fixture.
Also, please note that for the 2019-20 season, we are prioritising contactless card payments on kiosks within the concourses at Madejski Stadium - meaning quicker service for all. There will be only one cash till per kiosk so please ensure you have card payment if possible. EFL clubs united in tackling discrimination
The EFL and EFL Clubs are united in tackling discrimination and prejudiced behaviour in all its forms and are reminding supporters that no forms of abuse will be tolerated ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Everyone attending or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe, valued and included and supporters are therefore being reminded of the positive steps that can be taken on matchdays.
The EFL have suggested a protocol for supporters to follow if you ever find yourself needing to report discrimination of any form at a match, which you can find by clicking here. Matchday itinerary and opening times
Fan Zone and Fun Zone open - 1pm onwards Gates open - 1.30pm Teams announced - 2pm Kick-off - 3.01pm Full-time - 4.45pm (approx.)
Final F1 bus to Reading Station - 5.41pm Reminder
We wish to politely remind supporters that the football club is responsible for their conduct at all matches (home or away) and any person committing a football-related offence or involved in serious misconduct at any match will result in a club ban. Examples of serious misconduct include discriminatory, offensive or abusive chanting, entering the pitch, persistent standing and throwing a missile. Supporters witnessing any incidents of serious misconduct are encouraged to report this to the football club by texting 80800, beginning your message with the word SAFE.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
HRH The Duke of Cambridge has narrated a powerful new film starring famous faces from the world of football including Frank Lampard, Harry Maguire and Alex Scott, to encourage fans to take simple steps to look after their mental health.
The film has been released as a collaboration between Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters, a ground-breaking mental health platform, and Heads Up, a season-long partnership between Heads Together and The FA, spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Cambridge
The one-minute film will be played to millions, as kick-off times across all Emirates FA Cup Third Round fixtures, including Blackpool's tie at Reading, are delayed by one-minute to focus on mental health.
Research shows just under half of men (45%) who have experienced early signs of mental health concerns in the last year, have never taken self-care actions to manage it (compared to 31% of women).
While the collaboration is aimed at everyone including players, supporters, friends and families, it’s widely recognised that football can be a powerful way to reach men in particular. There are over 15 million football fans in England, 69% of whom are men. A YouGov survey commissioned by PHE shows that men in England are less likely than women to seek help or take self-care actions for early signs of common mental health concerns. It showed:
- Of the 78% of men who have experienced early signs of mental health concerns in the last year, just under half (45%) said they’d never taken self-care actions to manage their mental health, (compared to 31% of women)
- Of those men that did take steps to manage or improve their mental health, over three quarters (73%) wished they’d taken action sooner
- Men were also less likely to take self-care actions every day, with 18% of men doing so compared to one in four (24%) women.
Heads Up is a season-long partnership between The FA and Heads Together, and spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, which uses the popularity of football as a vehicle to generate the biggest ever conversation around mental health. For the Third Round, the campaign is now partnering with Every Mind Matters, a groundbreaking mental health platform from Public Health England.
By taking a minute to answer a few questions about how they are feeling, fans will get their own personalised action plan. Clinically assured by the NHS, the plan recommends a range of evidence based self-care actions for each individual, which are designed to deal with stress, boost their mood, improve sleep and feel more in control — preventing these common mental health concerns escalating into more serious, clinical conditions.
Duncan Selbie, chief executive of PHE, said: “As every fan knows, football has its highs and lows - and so does life. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the football community together in an important conversation about how we can all take care of our mental health, starting with a few simple actions.”
Godric Smith, chair of the Heads Up campaign, comments: “Football is already doing some great work on mental health but it is really encouraging to see the whole game uniting around the Heads Up campaign in 2020 starting with the Emirates FA Cup third round. Support your team. Support your mates. And support yourself. The Every Mind Matters website is a great place to start. We all have mental health and we can all take a minute to think more about it and take simple, positive steps.”
Mark Bullingham, The FA’s Chief Executive, said: “We hope that the symbolic 60 second delay to all Emirates FA Cup third round fixtures will be the start of a journey for better mental health for the millions who will be watching one of English football’s most famous weekends. We’re delighted to have an association with Public Health England for this Round and to signpost fans to their ‘Every Mind Matters’ website, one of the simple steps that is readily available to drive change.”
Dr Hilary Jones, comments: “Most of us experience some sort of mental health difficulty during our lives and we know that men in particular struggle with acknowledging and acting on any problems. We hope this new partnership will be able to reach men and women in a way that helps them to take action to look after their mental health.”
Fans can search Every Mind Matters to create their own personal mental health action plan or visit www.everymindmatters.co.uk.
Those in need of immediate support can text ‘HeadsUp’ to 85258 to be connected to a trained crisis counsellor. This service is available 24/7, and free to text from most mobile networks.
In conjunction with Heads Up charity partners Mind, CALM, Heads Together and Sporting Chance, fans will also be provided with helpful tips and advice on The FA website on how they can approach managing their mental health, at www.thefa.com/headsup.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
9 changes, 21-y/r-old in: The expected Reading XI Bowen is likely to play v Blackpool this weekend
Reading look set to make a string of changes as Blackpool visit the Madejski Stadium in the FA Cup 3rd round on Saturday.
The Royals have been in brilliant form over the Christmas period and have shown that they can now compete with some of the best sides in the division since Bowen has come into the club.
They’ll be hoping to keep momentum going in the club when they take on a Blackpool side who sit 10th in League One.
Here’s the expected XI that Bowen is likely to play against Blackpool on Saturday…
The Royals will look to make a number of changes for the visit of the Tangerines on Saturday. In goal, Sam Walker is set to come in and replace the very impressive Rafael who is deserving of a rest.
The defence will include three new faces from the side that played against Fulham with Jordan Obita coming into replace Tyler Blackett who has been sensational of late. Youngster Teddy Howe looks set to make his first start at the Madejski Stadium as he hopes to show that he can be sufficient back-up in the right-back position.
In the midfield Andy Rinomhota should come in for Pele whilst Charlie Adam will be one of two players to keep their place, although his may well be down to slightly sentimental reasoning. Adam spent some good years at Blackpool and was a key player in their promotion to the Premier League, he’d love to feature against them for the first-time since leaving.
In the attacking positions, youngster Michael Olise looks to come in and provide the spark alongside attacking winger Lucas Boye. Up top, Sam Baldock will lead the line with both Lucas Joao and George Puscas out with injuries.
Reading will hope to progress and keep their good form going as they look to have a very successful second-half of the campaign.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Simon Grayson expects a tough battle from Championship side Reading, who have impressed under the guidance of new manager, Mark Bowen.
The Seasiders travel to Berkshire on Saturday in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, with Saturday’s opponents in fine form, having won their last four matches.
“They’ve done really well since Mark Bowen has gone in,” Grayson said.
“There seems to be a good togetherness within the squad and they’ve won a good few games over the last few weeks. We’ll certainly be the under dogs going into the game, but we’ll go there and see where it takes us.
“We’re going there to win and will do everything we can to get back to winning ways and get through to the next stage of the competition.”
Former Seasider, Charlie Adam, now plies his trade at the Royals and Grayson is looking forward to coming up against the midfielder, who remains a hugely popular figure at Bloomfield Road.
“He wished me Happy New Year the other day,” Grayson joked.
“It was good to see that he’d scored a goal the other day against Fulham, and that he’s managed to force his way into the team of late.
“Let’s see if he’s fit to play two games in three days, which I’m sure he’ll be desperate to do.”
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Simon Grayson believes his Blackpool side go into this weekend’s FA Cup tie at Reading firmly as underdogs.
The Seasiders head to the Madejski Stadium on the back of a miserable festive period that saw them lose three of their four league games.
The Royals, meanwhile, are going well in the Championship under the management of Mark Bowen — winning four straight games.
While Grayson is under no illusion as to the difficulty of the task ahead, he remains hopeful that his side can cause a third round upset to help turn around their recent poor form.
“It’s an opportunity to get back to winning ways against a Championship team that have done well over the last few weeks since Mark has gone in,” he said.
“We will certainly be the underdogs going there but we will go there and see where it takes us.
“It’s a Championship team that are doing well but we want to try and progress.
“We need to think about what we need to do as a group because we need to get back to winning ways, but this will be a tough test for us.
“Whatever team we put out there, whether there’s a few changes or not I don’t know, we have to go and put a performance on that gives us an opportunity to go and win a football match again.”
The game has affectionately been dubbed the ‘Charlie Adam derby’ in some quarters given this will be the first time that the former Pool favourite will have lined up against the Seasiders since his departure in 2011.
Having initially struggled for game time with Reading at the start of the season, the Scot has enjoyed a run of appearances in the team and has received plaudits for his impressive displays.
The 34-year-old also scored in Reading’s 2-1 New Year’s Day win at Fulham.
“He wished me happy new year,” Grayson joked.
“It was good to see him score the other day and he’s doing what he’s doing, so I’m pleased for him.
“Let’s see if he’s fit to play two games in three days, which I’m sure he’ll be desperate to do.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Some posts on avftt are suggesting Reading are making wholesale changes. IF they do and IF Larry gets his team selection right, I think we've got every chance.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Scouting Report: League One Promotion Hopefuls Blackpool
The Tangerines could pose Reading problems on Saturday afternoon in the FA Cup.
Blackpool have had a strong start to their League One campaign, currently sitting in 10th position in the standings. With 34 points from 24 games, the Tangerines’ record is only one point off (having played one game less) their Royal counterparts, with an identical defensive record and having scored only one goal fewer.
However, despite having already defeated Maidstone United and Morecambe 3-1 and 4-1, respectively, in the previous rounds of the FA Cup this season, Blackpool come into this encounter on a poor run of form, having not won in their last five games. With three defeats and only three goals scored, this is seemingly a perfect time to face the Tangerines, especially given the Royals’ fantastic run of form of late.
Lining up in a 4-3-1-2 or 4-2-3-1, Blackpool’s main threat comes from striker Armand Gnanduillet. The towering forward has already scored 12 goals this season; he contributes to almost half their goals and can lead the line with an attacking trio of Nathan Delfouneso, Nathan Thompson and Sullay Kaikai just behind or play up top with Joe Nuttall.
In the middle of the park, skipper Jay Spearing is key, with the former Premier League player offering experience alongside the likes of Liam Feeney. At the back, a defence of Oliver Turton, Ben Heneghan, Ryan Edwards and James Husband has been pretty settled, with experienced goalkeeper Mark Howard in between the sticks.
Usually just edging the possession, Blackpool are a skilled side on the ball but their main source of chances come from crosses into Gnanduillet and wing play from both Feeney and Kaikai, with Delfouneso also a tricky customer. The Tangerines certainly pose a threat in attack, and with an experienced defence will be looking to kick on in 2020.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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