Leeds United play hosts to Championship strugglers Reading at Elland Road on Saturday, as both clubs look to return to winning ways.
Leeds United currently sit fifth in the table, despite losing their last two games. On the other hand, Reading are down in 20th position, a stark contrast to the season they enjoyed last year.
FORM
Leeds enter the game on the back of two consecutive defeats. They were comfortably beaten by Cardiff City (3-1) and Sheffield Wednesday (3-0). However, the Whites are yet to lose at home in the league this season, scoring 10 and conceding 2 on their own patch.
Reading haven’t won in the league since a 2-0 victory away at Birmingham City on the 26th August. This means they are win less in their previous 5 games, seeing the pressure mount on manager Jaap Stam.
TEAM NEWS
Leeds captain Liam Cooper is available for selection again, after serving a one game ban following a red card in the defeat at Cardiff. Pontus Jansson and Eunan O’Kane have been passed fit to play by manager Thomas Christiansen, with Caleb Ekuban the solo absentee for the Whites.
Reading wingback Jordan Obita has been ruled out for the rest of the season, with surgery required on his anterior cruciate ligament. Stephen Quinn (knee), John Swift (hamstring) and Joseph Mendes (knee) are all ruled out. Striker Yann Kermogant is close to a return to first team action following hip and groin surgery, but it is thought this game will come too soon. (Sky Sports)
HEAD TO HEAD
Since the first fixture between the sides in November 1927, Leeds and Reading have only played each other 24 times. United just about edge it, with 9 wins in comparison to Reading’s 7. Reading won the last meeting between the sides in April, but Leeds have won the last two encounters at Elland Road. (11v11)
PREDICTION
Given Leeds’ impressive home form, and Reading’s barren run of results I can only see one outcome here. Reading will pose a threat in attack, but Leeds’ attack will prove to hot to handle for the Royals defence.
LEEDS UNITED 3-1 READING
