MATCH PREVIEW: CARDIFF CITY vs READING

Match Previews

Cardiff City welcome Reading to South Wales for their fifth Sky Bet Championship fixture of the season.

The Bluebirds will be looking to build on the four points they collected last week through beating Blackburn Rovers and drawing away to Fulham.

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THE OPPOSITION


Reading arrive in the Welsh capital still looking to recover their form from the opening day of the campaign. The Royals beat Preston North End 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium to get their season off to an ideal start under new manager, Jaap Stam.

However, they are now without a win in their previous three Championship fixtures losing to Wolves and Newcastle United away from home before drawing 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion at home last Saturday.

One of Reading’s top performers of the season so far has been 21-year-old John Swift. The midfielder was signed from Chelsea in the summer and has notched two goals in his first four appearances to make an immediate impression. City will also have to be mindful of winger Garath McCleary, who has been with the Royals since 2012 and opened his account for the season from the penalty spot in the defeat to Newcastle.

CLUB CONNECTIONS



Legendary Bluebird, Robin Friday, actually joined Cardiff from the Royals having made 121 appearances for the Berkshire club. During his time with Reading, Friday notched an impressive 46 goals.

Other players to have represented both clubs over the years include Cardiff Academy graduate and Wales international, Chris Gunter and centre backs, Matt Connolly and Sean Morrison.

Midfielders Jobi McAnuff and Jason Bowen have also pulled on the shirts of both Reading and Cardiff. Speaking of Jason Bowen - watch his son Sam score an incredible half-way line strike for the Bluebirds U18s here!

MEMORABLE MEETING



An exciting encounter between the two sides took place on 2nd January 2012 at Cardiff City Stadium.

A first half flourish from the Bluebirds saw them run out 3-1 winners to take them to within two points of the automatic promotion places.

City opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Joe Mason received the ball from Kenny Miller and managed to fire a low shot past Adam Federici in the Reading goal. Cardiff quickly doubled their advantage when Aron Gunnarsson headed home Peter Whittingham’s corner from very close range.

Whittingham picked up his second assist of the game when he played an exquisite pass to Kenny Miller who poked the ball home from ten yards to complete a devastating 23-minute spell from the home side. Former Bluebird, Jobi McAnuff grabbed a consolation in first half injury time, but Cardiff comfortably held out for the win that saw them complete the double over the Royals. 

ROYALS FACTS
-    Reading Football club was originally founded in 1871 and they first entered the Football League in the 1920-21 season.
-    Reading played at Elm Park for 102 years, between 1896 and 1998, before moving to the newly built Madejski Stadium.
-    Reading are nicknamed The Royals, due to Reading's location in the Royal County of Berkshire though they were previously known as The Biscuitmen, due to the town's association with Huntley and Palmers
-    Reading last won promotion to the Premier League in the 2011/12 season, going up as champions with 89 points. Unfortunately for the Royals, however, they were relegated at the end of the following season.


DON'T MISS A MOMENT!
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City vs Reading.

WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*

SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC.

*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones, with content available to subscribers 24/7.