Wycombe Wanderers host Reading this evening as the Chairboys continue to try and fight their way out of the relegation places.
Gareth Ainsworth’s men are currently bottom of the Championship on 20 points and are currently 11 points away from safety with 16 games remaining.
However, despite some positive performances from the home side, there is nothing to suggest that this will be a walk in the park for the visitors, who currently occupy fifth spot, as they aim to return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
We also did a piece for the Reading Chronicle
The return of Behind Enemy Lines...
— Matt Joy (@MattJoy96) February 23, 2021
I spoke to Chairboys reporter @James_BFP about their season so far, the success of the former Royals in Ainsworth's side, areas that #readingfc can exploit tonight and the key men to keep an eye out for.
Read below 👇https://t.co/pZCztonDjE
Ahead of tonight’s clash, I spoke to the Reading Chronicle’s Matt Joy on what he thinks could happen at Adams Park, in the first league meeting between these two sides at the stadium since February 2002.
Are you impressed with Reading’s season?
MJ: “Very much so.
“After a summer of upheaval, Royals fans were unsure of what the 2020/21 season would bring, but Veljko Paunovic has implemented a strategy for success.
“The side has really gelled into a clear and effective style and looked a real threat when at full strength.
The fixture was part of an unwanted losing streak of seven league games (Prime Media)
“Recent poor form has been a worry, but Paunovic has proven before that he can turn round poor runs and keep the Royals at the business end of the season.”
Who are the key players that Wycombe need to be on the lookout for?
MJ: “You cannot look past Lucas Joao.
“The Portuguese forward has been in scintillating form all season and his goals have been the main reason for the current league positioning.
“His skill, intelligence, strength, and composure have all been displayed in abundance throughout the campaign.
“Young duo Michael Olise in midfield and Omar Richards at full-back have also excelled, as have the majority of the defensive unit.”
Despite Reading’s poor form, do you think the Royals will get a result?
MJ: “You’d back Reading to return to winning ways tonight.
“The next two games, against Wanderers and Rotherham, are being earmarked for six points and that has to be seen as a must should the promotion aspirations remain on course.
“With Wycombe’s worrying defensive record, the Royals frontline will be licking their lips at the prospect of adding to their totals for the season.”
What areas could Wycombe exploit against Reading?
MJ: “The aim for Ainsworth has to be to strangle the creativity in the middle of the pitch and aim to isolate Lucas Joao upfront.
“At times, he has appeared frustrated when isolated which has limited his usual influence on games.
“Defence may end up being the best form of attack tonight for Wycombe.”
The game will kick off at 7.45pm.
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