Ruben Selles believes that his Reading side will be facing a battle when they face off against Rotherham United.
The Royals have entered into a great spell over the past week, rebounding from a 5-2 loss against Bolton Wanderers to win two games in a row. They shot down Huddersfield Town and most recently put on a dominant display to dispatch Burton Albion 3-1.
Their next challenge comes against Rotherham United, who have struggled to adapt to League One following their relegation last season. The Yorkshire outfit are 17th, with 10 points to their name, but finally broke their away win curse last time out against Cambridge United.
Previewing the game at the New York Stadium, Selles said (Quotes via Reading Chronicle): “We need to be fresh for Saturday after two games in three days- it’s always difficult.
“We know it is going to be a completely different game to the one today- whenever we play against Steve [Evans] it has been a really difficult game with lots of duels and second actions.
“They are a team very aggressive against the ball and want to play territory against us. I expect a different game on the weekend, but we will be ready for the challenge.”
The Millers boss, who was in charge at Stevenage last season until leaving in the final weeks, was beaten both home and away by Reading, but it was the result at the Lamex Stadium that saw the 61-year-old make one of his usual provoking statements.
On-loan Bradford City striker Vadaine Oliver scored an unfortunate own goal which secured the win for the Berkshire club, but Evans said following the game: “It’s a bitter pill to swallow but we will take it and move on.
“You can see what it means to beat little old Stevenage, World Cup stuff at the end.”
The Royals travel north still in search of their first away win of the season, having drawn once and lost twice on the road. United have only won once at home this season against Huddersfield.
Writer’s View
Ruben Selles knows how to beat a Steve Evans side from last season’s exploits and surely would fancy their chances to do it again this weekend. They are building the foundations to a good run and beating Rotherham United would give Reading even more credit following their well-earned win over Huddersfield last week. It will be a tough game as The Millers are finally looking to find their feet in League One, only losing once in the last five to table toppers Birmingham City.
Evans will be eager to build on a positive result, ending the nearly two-year streak of failing to win away from home against Cambridge United. That will undoubtedly build confidence for Rotherham getting over what was a psychological boundary and have a chance to get the ball rolling on a campaign they were expected to thrive in. Reading have struggled in recent matches in South Yorkshire, with the last one ending in a 4-0 Millers win. It is sure to be one of the fiercest contests in League One this weekend.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
