Reading have went about their business very quietly since their relegation from the Premier League last season but it’s been effective nonetheless. They currently sit in sixth spot after a run of four wins in their last six Championship matches. By taking over towards the end of last season, Nigel Adkins has been able evaluate exactly what is required for a successful promotion push. He’s not made wholesale changes to the squad but he has shored them up defensively making them harder to beat. He’s no stranger to success in the Championship after guiding Southampton to the title and promotion two seasons ago, so it’s a league he knows well and it looks as though he’s moulding Reading into a side capable of doing something similar.
Steve Lomas has had a difficult start to life as Millwall manager winning just three of his first 12 matches at the New Den. All three of those victories came in successive matches in September but they have managed just one point from their last three league games. They did, however, rescue a point in their most recent match at home to high-flying QPR. A point against a side such is that would probably be welcome no matter but what as it was secured with an injury time equaliser and prevented three consecutive losses, it was even better received by Millwall.
Reading are one of seven Championship sides who have yet to lose at home with a record of four wins and two draws. For any side wishing to be successful in this division they have to be able to pick up points at their own ground on a regular basis. Adkins will know this only too well and the fact that they have conceded just five goals at the Madjeski this season is testament to their desire to make things as difficult as possible for visiting sides.
The Lions have won just once on their travels this season and that was in their local derby against Charlton at the Valley. They have returned home with nothing from visits to Birmingham, Bournemouth and Ipswich already, whilst sharing the spoils with Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton. Having conceded 15 goals away from home in their six matches, they have allowed the second most goals on the road, only Bournemouth have shipped more.
I’m very keen on the home team’s chances here and believe they can go on a strong run ahead of the winter months. They seem to have found a good balance in their squad and can make things even bleaker for Millwall on the road by taking all three points here.
Reading 4/5 @ William Hill
