Stoke travel to Reading today for the Sky Tv live game. 

Alex Neil on transfer deadline day filled a round hole with a round peg, signing Dujon Sterling to play at right back. On loan Arsenal player Harry Clarke had seemed to have had that role to himself until injury forcing Stoke to play Fosu, Wilmot and even young Tom Sparrow in that position.

Alex Neil has alluded to the fact Stoke seem to be not as fit as he’d like and we struggled to match the intensity he wants for the full 90 minutes. The international break could be a welcome opportunity to get to fitness training into the players, allowing Neil to implement his style into the team.

How have we faired in previous meetings

Todays fixture will be the 57th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 20

Draws 18

Reading wins 18

The last meeting 

The last meeting between the sides was back in April. Reading won the game 2-1 with the influential John Swift pulling the strings. Stoke did control possession during the game but most of their shots were from long range as the Potters couldn’t make a clear cut chance unlike Reading who got into great scoring opportunities on a few occasions. Romain Sawyers did get on the scoresheet for the Potters but it wasn’t enough to get any points

Who’s the threat

Reading have made some good signings this summer, they’ve started the season well too especially at home where they have won every game only conceding once. Naby Sarr has been their stand out player so far alongside a certain Tom Ince.

Form

Stoke

Huddersfield 3-1 Stoke

Stoke 2-2 Middlesbrough 

Stoke 0-1 Sunderland

Blackburn 0-1 Stoke

Stoke 1-1 Swansea

Reading

Rotherham 4-0 Reading

Reading 3-0 Blackburn

Reading 1-0 Middlesbrough 

Millwall 0-1 Reading

Sheffield United 4-0 Reading

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Neil can’t change much from the side that started the last two game, mainly as we’ve not played that bad in parts and secondary we haven’t the players back for that could and should change the side. New signing Dujon Sterling isn’t match fit following an injury, Nick Powell is back training but also not in contention to start. Harry Souttar is still a couple of weeks away, so is much the same side I’d of thought.

What is your score Prediction?