Preview: Reading vs. Watford

A new era will begin at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Steve Clarke hosts Watford in his first game in charge of Reading.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss was a swift appointment this week following the departure of Nigel Adkins, who suffered a damaging 6-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City in his final game in charge.

In truth, the scoreline was harsh on the Royals, who enjoyed more possession and had more shots than their opponents, but were undone by some clinical finishing and shambolic defending.

Reading have now won just one of their last five matches and sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, although they will be looking for an immediate upturn in fortunes under their new boss.

That will be particularly true at home, where Reading have picked up just one point and failed to score a single goal in their last two matches having been impressive at the Madejski prior to that.

Clarke is likely to make a few changes to the side that was so convincingly beaten last time out as he names his first starting XI, with Alex Pearce among those expected to come in.

He will know that he could have faced easier tasks than Watford in his first game in charge, however, with the Hornets returning to form in recent weeks and moving back into the playoff places as a result.

A 5-0 drubbing of Fulham was followed up with a 2-1 victory over struggling Wigan Athletic last weekend, leaving Slavisa Jokanovic's side just four points off the top of the table.

Troy Deeney was the match-winner in the win over the Latics, while his hat-trick in the victory at Fulham means that he has now scored five goals in his last two games.

The in-form striker is once again expected to lead the line alongside Matej Vydra this weekend, and Watford could well be unchanged for the clash.

Only leaders Bournemouth have scored more goals this season than the Hornets, so that front duo will be confident of finding the net against the third leakiest defence in the division.

Reading:

Recent form: DLLWDL

Possible starting lineup: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Kelly; Obita, Williams, Norwood, Robson-Kanu; McCleary, Murray

Watford:

Recent form: LLLLWW

Possible starting lineup: Gomes; Angella, Bassong, Cathcart; Paredes, Abdi, Tozser, Munari, Anya; Deeney, Vydra

Sports Mole says: 1-1