Reading vs Bristol Rovers: Match Preview

Both teams won in midweek, and this could be a difficult test for the Royals.

The Royals are coming off the back of our first away win of the season against a very strong Exeter City side. It was a challenging game, especially in the second half, but the Royals were able to see out the match very well.

Bristol Rovers came out of a very even contest against Shrewsbury Town with a 1-0 win. Another challenging game for the Pirates saw them get their fifth victory of the season.

In this preview I will talk about the importance of youth and squad rotation, players who have played for both clubs, and my predictions including lineups, score and goalscorers.

What? League One matchday 12

Season? 2024/25

Who? Bristol Rovers

Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium

When? Saturday October 26

Time? 12:30

Opposition manager? Matt Taylor

Importance of youth and squad rotation

It is well known that Reading have a brilliant youth system that produces some very good players.

This is incredibly important to the club as it can do one of two things: it can provide the club with potentially a substantial amount of money when bigger clubs come in for this talent, allowing the club to invest that into even more players. Or it allows these players to provide cover for the starting team.

At the minute our youth is so important to how our team is run. We have a few youth players that are slowly making it into the team, some that are making appearances of the bench and some that are already in the side.

For example, one who is slowly making his way into the first team is Andre Garcia. The 16-year-old has made eight appearances for the Royals in the league this season and, in my opinion, has made that position his own, with quite a few strong performances recently. But it is very likely that he will be benched again when Jeriel Dorsett is back to full fitness.

A player that has potentially made his position his own in Adrian Akande. The youngster has come into the side this season and he’s done it with flying colours. With the injury of another youth academy prospect, Mamadi Camara, Akande came into the side in a 2-2 draw against Colchester United in the EFL Cup and made his full league debut in a 3-0 loss against Wrexham. But, in my opinion, Akande should still be in the starting 11 when the squad is at full strength.

A player that has been making appearances off the bench recently and has been doing well is Jayden Wareham. The young striker started Tuesday’s game and scored within the first minute. He definitely has potential to be a starter in the next few years but, with Sam Smith being in his position, I think it may be difficult for him to make as many starts as he hopes this season.

But this squad rotation has been key for Reading this season. With an above-average amount of injuries, these youth products have done well in their respective positions and I hope they continue to do well for the future of the club.

Players who have played for both teams

Clinton Mola is a current Bristol Rovers player. The number six has made 10 appearances, scoring one goal for the Pirates this season.

The full-back played 30 times for Reading last season and was unable to score any goals, but did play a pivotal part in securing the Royals’ survival last season. Ideally, I would have loved to keep him at the club, especially given all of our full-back problems this season.

Jason Roberts played 78 times for Bristol Rovers and scored 38 times for the club in his two-year stint.

The striker came to Reading in 2012 and then eventually retired in 2014. He made 24 appearances and scored six goals, helping the Royals achieve promotion to the Premier League.

My lineup

With Joel Pereira returning to action in midweek, I expect the ‘keeper will be back in between the sticks this weekend.

I actually think that most of the squad will stay the same from Tuesday, including the defence. This means it will be first-time goalscorer Michael Craig, as well as Amadou Mbengue, Tyler Bindon and superstar Andre Garcia at the back.

I think there will be a slight change in midfield with Ruben Selles changing Harvey Knibbs to bring Ben Elliott back into the squad alongside Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing.

The front three has many options with a few players coming back from injury. I expect the front three will consist of Sam Smith, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and, returning from injury, Mamadi Camara.

This would be a good game to ease Camara back into first-team football to get him back to his best, and hopefully show everyone why I chose him to be on the back of my shirt this season.

I think that, if he does play, he will manage a contribution of either a goal or an assist. I also think Elliott will score again, as well as Savage, with another outside-of-the-box worldie.

Score prediction 3-0

The home support has been incredible this season and I expect that to continue in this game as well.

Make sure to make some noise, support the lads and most importantly…

Come on you Royals!