Reading Buildup thread.

[Gibbo]

We've got to be careful how many youngsters we play, could backfire on us.

[Lee]

We've got to be careful how many youngsters we play, could backfire on us.

Don't think we have too many options right now mate.

[Daniel 7]

I was going to go to this, but £80 for me and the boy seemed a bit steep for Reading.

You'd hope for a 3-0 win but Reading have been tricky on occasion.

[SB]

So it looks like Reina is a doubt for Saturday then.

Did Australia play this week? And if so, did Brad Jones travel with them?

Yes he did travel but was only on the bench.

[Mostar]

Even without Reina and Borini we should have way more quality than Reading to win this game.

[Lee]

Yes he did travel but was only on the bench.

Cheers mate.

So it could be one of three on Saturday then. Guessing Jones will get the nod but I wouldn't be shocked to see Gulacsi (or even Reina) between the sticks.

[MrMichael]

Even without Reina and Borini we should have way more quality than Reading to win this game.

Just a question of whether we put the ball in the net or not.

Most of our games that we've drawn or lost in the last 18 months we've been the better side, not that we've been amazing but we've had the quality in most areas other than in front of goal.

My biggest concern with playing both Sterling and Suso in the front three is that despite being fantastic talents, neither has goals in their game yet... very few non-outright strikers do at a young age. That puts a lot of pressure on Suarez unless the midfield can come through, its going to be so important for the next 2 months or so that Gerrard, Sahin and Shelvey all weigh consistently when they play.

This is going to be one of those games where we either win easily or else seriously struggle to break down a stubborn defence. We massively need it to be the former.

[yamiedo]

We've got to be careful how many youngsters we play, could backfire on us.

Or maybe the other way round. We've got to be careful how many experienced players we play. Could backfire on us

[dww]

Just a question of whether we put the ball in the net or not.

Most of our games that we've drawn or lost in the last 18 months we've been the better side, not that we've been amazing but we've had the quality in most areas other than in front of goal.

My biggest concern with playing both Sterling and Suso in the front three is that despite being fantastic talents, neither has goals in their game yet... very few non-outright strikers do at a young age. That puts a lot of pressure on Suarez unless the midfield can come through, its going to be so important for the next 2 months or so that Gerrard, Sahin and Shelvey all weigh consistently when they play.

This is going to be one of those games where we either win easily or else seriously struggle to break down a stubborn defence. We massively need it to be the former.

I think it makes a compelling case to push Gerrard forward - we need 3 goal threats at least in the team without compromising the possession aspect of our approach. For me Sahin, Gerrard and Suarez do that okay but having Gerrard in deep position has too often left us unbalanced in midfield. I guess he might adapt with more games but heading off to play with England can't help given Roy's tactics.

[Tee]

Reading striker Jason Roberts will refuse to wear the Kick it Out campaign T-shirt this weeken according to the Beeb. More unwanted publicity from Anfield then this weekend.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19994204

[Chazza]

Thats more about his feelings towards the length of Terry's ban than anything else I think.

[Tee]

Thats more about his feelings towards the length of Terry's ban than anything else I think.

The media will bring Suarez into it, of that you can be sure my friend.

[baitman]

Reading striker Jason Roberts will refuse to wear the Kick it Out campaign T-shirt this weeken according to the Beeb. More unwanted publicity from Anfield then this weekend.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19994204

good on him... tis a shame that he should have let this out prior our game, though...
from the article;
Roberts added: "I'm totally committed to kicking racism out of football but when there's a movement I feel represents the issue in the way that speaks for me and my colleagues, then I will happily support it.
"I think people feel let down by what used to be called 'Let's Kick Racism Out of Football'."
On Terry's apology on Thursday, Roberts said it was "a year too late".
He also feels the Football Association were lenient in their punishment of the former England skipper.
"The four-match ban was, for me, not a heavy enough sanction for what happened," said Roberts.
"I'm not happy. Certainly they should have given him a longer ban. The sanction is nowhere near harsh enough."

[Tee]

It is the 'Kick-it out' campaign this weekend so I don't suppose he had much choice for timing. Not good for us though IMO, it will be twisted to look like he is taking a stance against Luis.

[SB]

It is the 'Kick-it out' campaign this weekend so I don't suppose he had much choice for timing. Not good for us though IMO, it will be twisted to look like he is taking a stance against Luis.

I wonder what the media would say if he refused to shake hands with Luis?