Reading vs West Brom preview, predictions & confirmed line-ups
West Bromwich Albion will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Championship when they travel to face Reading in midweek.
Slaven Bilic’s men are currently four points clear of second-placed Leeds United after their 2-0 win over Millwall on Sunday.
It was their second win in as many games after their automatic promotion hopes looked to be in danger following a poor run of form post-Christmas.
Their opponents, Reading, look to be clear of the relegation battle for now but will be hoping for a positive result to keep things that way.
Read on for our Reading vs West Brom preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Reading vs West Brom and where can I watch live?
Competition: Championship
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Red Button
Last five meetings: Reading vs West Brom
21 August 2019: West Brom 1-1 Reading (Championship)
22 April 2019: Reading 0-0 West Brom (Championship)
06 October 2018: West Brom 4-1 Reading (Championship)
20 February 2016: Reading 3-1 West Brom (FA Cup)
12 January 2013: Reading 3-2 West Brom (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Reading (DDLWW) 8-8 West Brom (DDWLL)
Ones to watch
Reading: John Swift
Reading have struggled in front of goal this season, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying, with John Swift, in particular, doing his best to breach opposition defences.
The 24-year-old has been Reading’s standout player, more than capable in attack but also willing to put himself out defensively. Swift’s five goals in the Championship is only bettered among Reading’s squad by George Puscas, but his best contribution comes with assists. The Englishman has recorded nine assists so far this season which could arguably be more if Reading had a prolific goalscorer, with Swift creating 71 chances in the Championship.
Key stat: John Swift (14) has been directly involved in more Championship goals than any other Reading player this season.
West Brom: Matheus Pereira
West Brom lead the way in the Championship for goals scored, netting 55 in total, and at the heart of that has been Matheus Pereira.
The Brazilian has been a regular feature in West Brom’s midfield this season, missing just two league games since his debut in August, contributing with both goals and assists. Pereira has scored five goals so far in the Championship, a respectable amount for someone who has been utilised across the midfield. But his key contribution has been with assists, recording 11 so far, the joint-most in the division.
Key stat: Matheus Pereira (16) has been directly involved in more Championship goals than any other West Brom player this season.
Team news
Reading
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨
3️⃣ changes from our previous game
After 2️⃣ months out with injury, @AndyYids returns to the setup, and to the Starting 1️⃣1️⃣
Welcome back, Yids 💙
🔵⚪ | #REAvWBA pic.twitter.com/mfaZ9DThwI
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) February 12, 2020
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West Brom
📋 Tonight's team to face the Royals.
Slaven names the same XI which won at Millwall on Sunday. Come on you Baggies!#REAWBA | #WBA pic.twitter.com/dZQLTOcMmQ
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) February 12, 2020
Squawka prediction
Against Millwall and Luton, West Brom showed why they are top of the Championship and in prime position to return to the Premier League. It was games like these that West Brom were struggling in throughout January and, on that form, Reading may have fancied their chances of a result.
But West Brom are back on track and Reading are not, without a league win since New Year’s Day when they beat promotion hopefuls Fulham. Don’t expect a similar result this week, though.
