Neil Taylor and Jonny Howson should return to the starting XI after missing the trip to Blackpool over two weeks ago, with the latter's involvement signalling Paddy McNair's return to the back three. This game will likely come too soon for Chris Wilder's most recent addition, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun, but Aaron Connolly could get his first minutes after joining Boro on loan from Brighton. James Lea Siliki is away on international duty with Cameroon. An injury for centre-back Scott Dann means that central midfielder Josh Laurent will step into the back four for the trip to Teesside. The Royals could line up with three midfielders in the backline with Dejan Tetek and Andy Rinomhota contenders to fill the full-back positions left vacant by Ghana stars Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman. Young midfielder Mamadi Camara received glowing praise from manager Veljko Paunovic despite embarrassing results in the last two games. The teenager could start on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Reading in all competitions. Middlesbrough are undefeated in their last 5 home matches against Reading in all competitions.
Middlesbrough will sense blood when they welcome Reading to the Riverside for their first league game of 2022. Chris Wilder's side have claimed 16 points from their last six league outings and will almost certainly extend their winning streak to four in a row come Saturday afternoon. Reading were subjected to their heaviest ever home defeat in midweek, following up an embarrassing FA Cup exit, with a 7-0 home drubbing at the hands of title favourites Fulham. Defeat against Middlesbrough will likely spell the end of Veljko Paunovic's time as Reading manager. 4:0
Neil Taylor and Jonny Howson should return to the starting XI after missing the trip to Blackpool over two weeks ago, with the latter's involvement signalling Paddy McNair's return to the back three. This game will likely come too soon for Chris Wilder's most recent addition, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun, but Aaron Connolly could get his first minutes after joining Boro on loan from Brighton. James Lea Siliki is away on international duty with Cameroon. An injury for centre-back Scott Dann means that central midfielder Josh Laurent will step into the back four for the trip to Teesside. The Royals could line up with three midfielders in the backline with Dejan Tetek and Andy Rinomhota contenders to fill the full-back positions left vacant by Ghana stars Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman. Young midfielder Mamadi Camara received glowing praise from manager Veljko Paunovic despite embarrassing results in the last two games. The teenager could start on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough will sense blood when they welcome Reading to the Riverside for their first league game of 2022. Chris Wilder's side have claimed 16 points from their last six league outings and will almost certainly extend their winning streak to four in a row come Saturday afternoon. Reading were subjected to their heaviest ever home defeat in midweek, following up an embarrassing FA Cup exit, with a 7-0 home drubbing at the hands of title favourites Fulham. Defeat against Middlesbrough will likely spell the end of Veljko Paunovic's time as Reading manager. 4:0
Middlesbrough have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Reading in all competitions. Middlesbrough are undefeated in their last 5 home matches against Reading in all competitions.