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By Royal Appointment - Reading Preview

The Swans head into poshest Berkshire this afternoon to take on the Royals on their own patch - can they repeat the passion?

Everyone will be hoping it isn't a case of "After the Lord Mayor's Show" after the display that totally outplayed Cardiff on Tuesday night.

The fixture at the Madejski marks the start of a very difficult week for the Swans that also includes a trip to Preston on Tuesday night as well as the visit of current leaders Wolves next Saturday.

Any return of more than two points from this trio of games would be a good return whilst a signifcant total would surely make some more sit up and take notice that maybe Swansea are a contender after all.

Last time out on their own patch, the Royals defeated Sheffield Wednesday by six clear goals and the Swans will be mindful that they need to stop one of the division's most potent attacking forces.

Roberto I would guess is likely to field an unchanged side from that which started against Cardiff with Mark Gower seemingly set to overcome his injury whilst Pratley looks likely to sit out again through his.   That would leave us with a line up of

Dorus

Rangel     Monk     Williams     Bessone

Britton     Bodde     Gomez

Gower     Scotland     Butler

Reading captain James Harper faces a late fitness test, with Kalifa Cisse in line to deputise.

Noel Hunt is back in the frame after a stomach upset, while several players should return after being rested.

Value wise at the bookies again it seems hard to look beyond Bodde (22/1) and Gomez (28/1) for first goalscorer in the game - probably worth a punt each way which will provide a good return even if they score but not the first goal.   If you fancy Ashley Williams to score again then 50/1 first goal is a great shout (!)

Prediction wise this will be a tough one for the Swans and I am sure that each and every one of the travelling jacks would take a point at this moment in time and that is the way I can see this one heading - maybe 1-1.

Enjoy the day - who are we?

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