Reading mark their return to the Premier League with a home fixture against Stoke City. The Royals won the Championship last season but manager Brian McDermott has not rested on his laurels and has strengthened the squad throughout the summer. Nicky Shorey returns to the club where he made his name whilst Chris Gunter has also moved which could see two new full backs in the line-up tomorrow. Their biggest signing of the summer though has been Pavel Pogrebnyak who finished last season on loan at Fulham. The Russian impressed during his short stay at Craven Cottage, scoring six goals in 12 league games. He will need to repeat his scoring exploits with his new club as he looks to be their main striker heading into the new campaign.
Stoke are entering their fifth straight season in England’s top flight which is a remarkable feat made possible by such a hard working manager. Tony Pulis accepts nothing less than 100% from his players in terms of effort and no matter who they face, their approach is the same – to make it difficult for the opposition. Last season saw the Potters reach the last 32 in Europe but they found it hard to balance their exploits on the continent with their domestic form. Having put so much into the early months of the season Stoke were tired and lethargic in the latter weeks which saw them win just one of their last 10 matches. Pulis has tried to add further depth to his squad with the purchase of Michael Kightly from Wolves and Jamie Ness from Rangers.
Reading are heading into the new season with huge momentum as they won 15 of their last 17 league games. The nucleus of that side has remained at the club and that spirit and morale can go such a long way early on in the season. It would be disrespectful to suggest that they got their success through attitude alone – they didn’t. They have a very effective style of play and know how to win games.
Stoke need to score more goals this season as they were the lowest scorers in the division with just 36. Peter Crouch is their obvious attacking threat but he needs the support of his team-mates, both in terms of setting up chances for him and chipping in with goals of their own. It’s unlikely they will change their style of play but they may well be more adaptable in their approach as teams are no longer surprised, or affected as much, by their power and directness.
Reading were strong at home during their only other term in the Premier League and they will need to be again in order to survive. Stoke have never been great travelers and there is a feeling that they need more upfront so I think the home side can get off to a flying start on their return.
Reading 7/5 @ PaddyPower
