When : Saturday, 14th April 2018, 3pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161
And now to the big one. The one that could seriously see Reading about as safe as you can get without mathematical certainty. In addition there is also the outside chance that a win for Reading could put a near enough official end to Sunderland's miserable season depending on other results. Sunderland's issues are really down to a lack of investment as a possible take over rumbles on. There are also rumours of possible administration if it all collapses should they be relegated to Division 3 for the first time since 1987.
Needless to say though this ain't going to be easy. Sunderland have nothing to play for but 3 points as anything else just won't do for them. Therefore I would expect a need for Reading be very careful in how they approach and set up as Sunderland, despite their troubles, do have players that are more than capable of creating and scoring if they have the belief as the 4-1 mauling of play off contenders Derby shows. Plus Reading's record at home to strugglers has been nothing short of disgraceful with the ineptitude of the Burton and Birmingham performances being particular cases in point, so this is certainly not just a matter of turning up.
That said though their current run is quite Readingesque with just the one win to show from the last fourteen games. In addition they haven't managed a clean sheet in that run of games. Reading, on the other hand, are starting to leave their own dismal run behind with 2 wins in 4 games now and win against the Black Cats would see them edging close to promotion form
Injuries. Yes. Lots. Still. Plus Bacuna suspended now. The team will therefore more or less pick itself again but at least that will mean a good understanding being formed amongst the players as they get to play week in and week out. Sunderland have a large squad with right winger Aiden McGeady being the particular danger man to want to avoid encouraging (so let's hope Tyler or Omar is up for that particular battle). Also should be an atmosphere for supporters with Sunderland's expected following to be loud and "bouncy" despite their problems.
Referee
For the fifth time this season, Steve Martin is back (must still be irritating those that make the appointments)
Previously
27 Feb 2018 > Nottm Forest 1-1 Reading
11 Dec 2017 > Reading 2-2 Cardiff City
23 Sep 2017 > Reading 1-1 Hull City
26 Aug 2017 -> Birmingham City 0-2 Reading
24 Jan 2017 > Reading 1-0 Fulham
15 Oct 2016 > Queen's Park Rangers 1-1 Reading
15 Mar 2016 > Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Reading
23 Jan 2016 > Reading 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
19 Sep 2015 > Bristol City 0-2 Reading
25 Mar 2014 > Reading 1-3 Barnsley
Historically
This is only the 9th league season shared with Sunderland with the first only happening in 1986/87. Of the previous eight league games in Reading the home side have the upper hand by five wins to two and eleven goals to seven.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
The other games to watch
Barnsley v Bolton
Burton v Derby
(Birmingham visit Wolves on Sunday)