West Brom (A) Match Preview

After a 2 week international break, the Royals are finally back in league action and travel to high flying West Brom on Saturday.

This international break has given us chance to reflect. Our stats show that a lot of what we do is right up there with the top teams but the area we need to work on is shots on target.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo could have to do without new Scotland cap Graham Dorrans after he was injured during the Scots friendy defeat to japan last Saturday and faces a late fitness test. Chris Brunt, James Morrison and Ishmael Miller are all injured and will play no part but Luke Moore and Scott Carson are expected to recover from knocks to take their places in the starting 11. Former Royals striker Simon Cox is desperate for a start and with the Baggies without a win in 3 games, he could get his wish.

I don't care if he doesn't start, however long he is on the pitch he will be desperate to score against his boyhood club. When Cox left it was right for him, and the club, but how we could do with a striker of his quality right now.

The Royals will welcome back Shane Long and Grzegorz Rasiak to the squad after injury and this will boost our attacking options. Darren O'Dea is expected to keep his place at the back alongside Ivar Ingimarsson after Brendan Rodgers declared himself happy with the defence. Any changes from the defeat against Middlesbrough 2 weeks ago are likely to be in attack with Jimmy Kebe's place most at risk.

Has made a decent start to his Royals career but has told us that there is more to come, including plenty of assists and goals. Lets hope he starts this weekend!

The Royals haven't met West Brom since January 2006 when we beat the Baggies in a FA Cup 3rd round replay at the Madejski Stadium after a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns. Leroy Lita scored a hat trick to send us through after extra time.

This will be a tough game but I fancy us to get something, and I'm going to be bold and say we will win! 2-1 to the Royals.

Tuesday 20th October 2009, QPR (A)

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