Our prediction for this Championship match:
Reading will be aiming to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rotherham United when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Madejski Stadium. The Royals picked up vital three points from Saturday’s football match, but Veljko Paunovic’s men need to keep on making progress if they are to secure a top-six finish. Both John Swift and Felipe Araruna remain in the recovery room, while Yakou Meite and Ovie Ejaria are rated doubtful for the game.
The Riversiders, on the other hand, head into the match with a severely-weakened squad, with all Lewis Holtby, Daniel Ayala, Scott Wharton, Joe Rankin-Costello, Bradley Johnson, Sam Gallagher, and Jacob Davenport missing the match with injuries. Given Blackburn’s six-match winless run in the Championship, we believe that punters can find value in betting on the home team. Top scorer Lucas Joao should continue to lead the line for the hosts.
Highlighted Player (Andy Yiadom):
Andy Yiadom was born in Holloway, London, but he began his career in the youth team of Watford. After spending two years at the Watford football academy, the pacey full-back (winger) joined Hayes & Yeading United and he scored only one goal in 36 appearances in the league for the club.
At the end of the 2010/2011 campaign Yiadom moved to Braintree Town and after scoring seven goals in 27 appearances for the Iron he signed a contract with Barnet. The 180-cm-tall footballer played for Barnet from 2012 to 2016 and he scored 14 goals in 169 appearances for the Bees. Andy Yiadom then decided to take a step forward in his career as he moved to Championship side Barnsley.
The English footballer played 32 games in the league for the Tykes last season and he provided three assists for his teammates, while receiving four yellow cards. His main position is full-back (right-back), but he is capable of playing on the left flank as well.
Highlighted Team (Blackburn Rovers):
Blackburn Rovers have been trying to return to the Premier League ever since they dropped to the Championship in 2012. The Riversiders compete in the English second tier and they play their home games at Ewood Park. Blackburn were founded back in 1875 and they are one of the founding members of the Football League (1888).
Burnley are considered Blackburn’s main rivals and the two teams square off against each other in the East Lancashire derby. It has to be noted that Blackburn Burnley 7-1 in their first ever meeting in the East Lancashire Derby on 3 November, 1888. The Riversiders have won three First Division (Premier League) trophies (1911/1912, 1913/1914, 1994/1995).
Blackburn Rovers have clinched six FA Cup titles as well. Speaking of the club’s European success, the Riversiders won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2007. The colour of Blackburn’s home kit is blue and white.