And it's straight back up north to visit Blackburn again only 7 months or so since Brian took charge of his last Reading game as manager and brought the curtain down on a truly miserable season.
The club will be traveling north tomorrow with a little bit more hope than the last visit but will still need to be wary as their last two trips on the road have seen completely forgettable performances and no goals scored but seven conceded. While not a front runner Blackburn are always a big problem for Reading as wins over them are about as common as Graeme Murty goals..
Indeed Blackburn are capable of springing surprises despite them struggling at the bottom of the division, a 1-0 win at Newcastle three weeks ago would prove that so if anyone thinks Reading only have to present themselves on the day they're going to be in for a rude awakening.
On the team front Blackburn will be without Gordon Greer (suspended), Tommie Hoban (shoulder), Elliott Ward (ankle), Adam Henley (hamstring) and Charlie Mulgrew (groin). In addition Corry Evans (groin) is doubtful. Wes Brown is standing by to make his Championship debut and both former Royals Danny Guthrie and Hope Akpan could play some part in covering the myriad of injuries.
Reading will see Danny Williams serve his last gameofn a 3 match ban. Jordan Obita and John Swift will both be missing although could be back for the games after Christmas. Deniss Rakels and Ansi Jaakkola complete those missing through injury and/or a general lack of fitness.
Referee
Lancashire's Jeremy Simpson is due to be demonstrating whistlesome frolics
Previously with Mr Simpson
09 Sep 2016 > Reading 2-1 Ipswich Town (managed to book 9 players)
16 Apr 2016 > Leeds United 3-2 Reading
09 Jan 2016 > Huddersfield Town 2-2 Reading (FA Cup 3)
20 Oct 2015 > Rotherham United 1-1 Reading
If you're of the betting type would suggest placing money on result where both teams score if those previous games with this referee are anything to go by.
Historically
Ewood Park is a bit of a bad place for Reading in that not one win of any description has ever been recorded there for the club, but then we've only ever shared 8 seasons so there was hardly ever likely to be a catalogue of successes. That said we have managed 4 draws in those 8 visits so it's not always quite a bleak as you'd think.
Overall Reading have only beaten Blackburn once in the last 13 league games so quite definitely owe them something
