Norwich v Reading Preview

Match: Norwich v Reading

Date: 20th April 2013

Time: 15:00

Competition: Premier League

Form: Norwich - LDLDD Reading - DLLLL

Last Meeting: Reading 0-0 Norwich - 10/11/12

Both these sides still have lots to play this season. Norwich are still battling it out to stay in the division while Reading's squad still have to prove themselves under Nigel Adkins. Back when Reading had a decent run and climbed out of the relegation zones after Christmas-Feburary time I thought both sides were gonna stay up this season but they've both been shocking in too many games this season and could both very well be relegated. Norwich boss Chris Hughton is a coach I rated very highly at Newcastle but I haven't been as certain about him a Carrow Road. His squad isn't as good as the one at Newcastle but it's not far worse either, I don't think Norwich should be as far down as they are. They should be safe by now. People seem to think Grant Holt is the answer to their problems, but he isn't. In 23 starts, he has 5 goals. He's been brought on another 5 or 6 times. The problem is they have nobody else, Becchio arrived from the middle of the Championship and hasn't brought too much so far. Jackson has a goal in 12 matches, yet this hasn't been addressed properly yet. I've heard a couple of rumours for players in the summer but they might be down by then. Against Reading, Norwich should play down the wings, Pilkington and Hoolahan are a class above anything Reading can offer, unfortunately for the Royals. Forget a long punt up to Holt, try play the ball on the floor and get more out of Becchio or Jackson. Holt can be started too, but only with a decent striker alongside him. Norwich's fate is in their own hands, they just need to be more attacking. 4 goals in the last 5 isn't good enough.

Reading meanwhile, are just victims of what has been said a million times before. Their squad just isn't good enough and when they went on that small run, everyone, including me got carried away. They did well to get a result against Liverpool last week thanks to the heroics of McCarthy in goal. But they were terrible going forward for the most part. Brian McDermott should do a great job at Leeds, as he did in the Championship at Reading. But he could be a victim of his own success, because Leeds, like Reading aren't ready to go up, even next season. Reading could do with a couple more seasons investment and I believe they have the right man in charge to do so, even if this could be a painful end to the season. They have some good players, but they need two additions in defence and midfield and a new forward player and an out and out scorer, which shows how far away they are. They'll probably try to withstand the Norwich pressure in this game and hit them on the break, which could work, but they have been terrible away from home this season. They've just 5 points from a possible 48 on their travels.

Norwich have 7 home clean sheets this season, Reading have none on their travels. Should be close, but I predict a 1-0 Norwich win.