Preview: Bolton v ReadingSETTING THE SCENE Bolton Wanderers host Reading on Tuesday night looking to register back-to-back wins having triumphed over Brighton on Saturday to end a run of three successive defeats.
In comparison, Steve Clarke’s Royals side come into the tie hoping not to claim an unwanted hat-trick, having lost both of their last two matches 3-0 against Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest respectively.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]However, Reading have been moderately successful on their travels since the Scot’s appointment as manager back in December, losing just twice on the road while also picking up victories away at promotion-chasing Derby County, Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Bolton currently ahead of Reading on goal difference alone, Neil Lennon will be keen for his side to once again make home advantage count as they look to carry on their late surge up the table.
TEAM NEWSHaving extended his loan stay with Wanderers by a further month, Ben Amos could continue in goal with Andrew Lonergan (concussion) facing a late assessment.
Neil Danns (back), Liam Feeney (knee) and Emile Heksey (calf) should all be fit to play despite being withdrawn during Saturday’s victory over Brighton.
Adam Bogdan (ankle) and Craig Davies (hamstring) have both returned to first team training but will not be considered for selection, while Liam Trotter (thigh) remains a doubt.
Max Clayton and Mark Davies (both knee), Darren Pratley (hamstring) are Marc Tierney (leg) all remain long-term absentees.
LAST READING XI (v Nottingham Forest, L0-3)Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Robson-Kanu (Guthrie 80), Obita, McCleary, Chalobah, Williams, Pogrebnyak, Cox (Yakubu 71).
ONE TO WATCHA January loan signing from Chelsea, Nathaniel Chalobah has wasted no time in establishing himself as a regular for Reading in the heart of midfield.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]The England Under-21 international spent the first half of the season on loan at Premier League side Burnley, but having found his first team opportunities at Turf Moor, was allowed to join the Royals for the remainder of the campaign.
Still awaiting his first senior appearance for Chelsea, Chalobah first caught the eye during the 2012/13 season when on loan at Watford as they reached the Play-Off Final, while he has also enjoyed temporary stints with Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough.
LAST TIME THEY WERE HERE (Bolton 1-1 Reading, 10 August 2013)Wanderers’ fought out a 1-1 draw with Reading in their opening home match of the 2013/14 season the last time the Royals made the trip to Macron Stadium.
Darren Pratley fired the Whites ahead with his second goal of the season inside the opening 15 minutes, powerfully heading home Marc Tierney’s cross from the left, while Medo Kamara was unfortunate not to double Bolton’s lead as he saw a 30-yard strike cannon back off the post.
Nick Blackman levelled for Reading from the penalty spot early in the second half after David Wheater was penalised for handball, while Adam Bogdan had to be alert to deny Royston Drenthe and Alex Pearce late on as the Trotters held on to earn a share of the spoils.
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