Academy- Under 21s
Details: Lancashire FA County Ground, 12pm kick-off
A trip to Blackburn awaits for Noel Hunt and his academy side, looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Derby County. The Royals will be hoping for an important away win in their Premier League Cup tie on Saturday at noon.
Reading currently trail their Group B opponents by three points meaning a win on Saturday would see them draw level and keep their hopes of qualification alive.
A tricky run of form has seen Blackburn unable to pick up a single point from any of their last 5 games in all competitions. A notable loss in that run of games was the 7-2 loss they received from Reading back in October when the two sides met in the league. Noel Hunt will be hoping his side can replicate that impressive victory this weekend.
Head-to-Head results:
30th October: Reading 7-2 Blackburn
11th September: Reading 1-2 Blackburn
6th March: Reading 2-1 Blackburn
Men’s first team
Details: Select Car Leasing Stadium, 3pm kick-off
A whirlwind of a week saw the Royals progress into the next round of the Bristol Street Motors Cup after some late drama against Charlton in which the game was decided on penalties. The team showed great character to bounce back after their exit from the FA Cup last weekend.
Rubén Sellés' Royals welcome Barnsley to RG2 for Saturday’s showdown in which Reading will be looking to build on their midweek success. With the busy festive period well and truly under way three points against Barnsley would prove to be vital as the season progresses.
Barnsley currently occupy 7th place position as they look to remain within touching distance of the play offs, after defeat in the League One play offs final last season the South Yorkshire side will be hoping to regain Championship status since being relegated in 2022.
Head-to-Head results:
2nd April 2022: Barnsley 1-1 Reading
16th October 2021: Reading 1-0 Barnsley
2nd April 2021: Barnsley 1-1 Reading
Women’s first team
Details: Bishops Cleeve FC, 2pm kick-off
Due to the postponed fixture against Blackburn in November and the international break, Liam Gilbert’s side will be gearing up for a match for the first time in nearly a month as they travel to Cheltenham as they embark upon their FA Cup journey for the first time this season.
Sunday’s cup game is one of the three remaining games of 2023 for the Women First Team who will be itching to get back out on the pitch and mark their return with a win this weekend.
The Royals face Southern Premier Division side Cheltenham Town for the first time ever in a competitive fixture, our opponents currently sit in 6th place in their respected league and have extended their FA Cup run thanks to a second round victory against Exeter City back in November in which the game finished 3-2.
