Back to the capital to take on Charlton Athletic
With the international break now concluded, full attention is turned back once again to the league campaign, with the Royals making the journey to London looking to kickstart the campaign.
The break offered the chance for some rest and recovery, but also a chance to work on ideas, as well as some experience on the international stage for several of this season's break-out stars.
Rubén Sellés' side will be hoping to hit the ground running on Saturday, well in the knowledge that a sold-out away end will be continuing their fantastic support.
Below is all the important information ahead of a first trip to the Valley in four seasons.
Tickets
Our initial allocation of tickets for this fixture has sold out, with Charlton releasing another batch as a result.
These further tickets are selling quickly, but there is still a small number available.
If still available, these tickets can be purchased on the day with a £3 price increase, card-only, from 1pm at the South Stand Ticket Office.
TRAVEL
Please note that the Blackwall tunnel is closed southbound on Saturday, so supporters driving should plan their journey to the game accordingly.
Useful guidance on public transport in particular can be found using Charlton's guide, which can be accessed below.
STAR COACHES
There are limited spaces available on STAR coaches for this fixture, so book quickly to avoud disappointment.
Departure times are as follows:
- West Street 11:15am
- Select Car Leasing Stadium 11:30am
ROYALSTV
This fixture will be available to stream with a Video Match Pass outside the UK and Ireland, and available to listen with live commentary as an Audio Match Pass worldwide.
A reminder that we have Seasonal and Monthly Video Passes (international only) and Audio Passes (worldwide).
The following passes can be purchased:
- Video Match Pass (£10) – outside UK & Ireland
- Audio Match Pass (£2.50) – worldwide
- Video Month Pass (£25) – outside UK & Ireland
- Audio Month Pass (£4.49) – worldwide
- Video Season Pass (£170) – outside UK & Ireland
- Audio Season Pass (£45) – worldwide
See our available subscriptions
The Opposition
After a rocky start to the season, which included five losses in a row in all competitions, the Addicks have seen an upturn in their form, and are progressing further up the League One table.
That terrible run of games saw Dean Holden replaced by Michael Appleton, who has been at the forefront of a resurgence, with the side losing just once since he took over.
This includes a run of six games unbeaten, with three wins in this time. In fact, the side have not lost in the league during Appleton's time in charge. Their home is particularly impressive, picking up 10 points out of the last 12 available at The Valley.
One to watch: Alfie May
The striker has hit the ground running since moving to the side over the summer, bagging seven goals in the league already this season.
He has been a key reason behind the Addicks' resurgence under Appleton, playing in all but one of the manager's league games,and scoring five goals already under his new manager.
After making his name with profilic returns for several non-league clubs, May turned to Charlton for a new challenge after a successful three years at Cheltenham Town, which saw him score 67 times in 158 games.
Known for his eye for goal as well as his ability to dribble and take on long shots, May will pose a dangerous threat to the Reading defenders on Saturday.
Head-to-head
Reading and Charlton were familiar opponents during the 2010s, with the sides regularly going head-to-head in the Championship.
The last meeting towards the two sides took place following Project Restart in July 2020. with an early George Puscas penalty enough to see the Royals pick up all three points.
However, Reading fans may remember the last meeting in front of spectators more fondly, when a seven-goal thriller went the way of the Royals thanks to a last-gasp Deniss Rakels winner.
Overall, 43 games have been contested between the sides, with the Royals just edging out the head-to-hea thanks to their 17 wins compared to Charlton's 15. There have been 11 draws.
Ref watch
Scott Oldham will be the man in the middle for this League One affair, having taken charge of four matches in this division to date this season.
None of these fixtures involved either Reading or Charlton. The only time he has refereed a game involving the Royals was back oin 2016, when the then Under-23s fell to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool Under-23s.
Sam Smith, who will be hoping to make his second Reading debut this weekend, was an unused substitute, whilst Ovie Ejaria featured for the Reds.
Running the line will be Graeme Fyvie and Leigh Crowhurst, whilst Anthony da Costa is the fourth official.