A tactical insight into Sunderland under-23s’ Premier League 2 opponents on Monday, Reading.
Fixture: Reading U23 v Sunderland U23
Location: Madejski Stadium
Date and kick-off: Monday 8 May, kick-off 7pm
Competition: Premier League 2
READING ANALYSED
ROYAL RUMBLE. . .
Rooted to the foot of the Premier League 2 table, Reading welcome Sunderland to their home stadium in their final match of the season. With 19 points from 21 games, there’s still hope for the Royals who could climb as high as ninth with victory over the Black Cats. One point from a possible 12, and just one win in their previous five matches, haven’t helped Reading’s demise in what has been a challenging campaign. With 16 goals shipped in their last four games as well, Sunderland forwards Joel Asoro and Josh Maja will sense blood as they head to the Madejski.
Talking tactics. . .
Once again Sunderland are tasked with the challenge of showing their resilience and steel ahead of their European final in two weeks’ time. With anticipation rising as each day goes by, Reading pose the final test ahead of that big night at the Stadium of Light. Having defeated Arsenal in their last home match, Reading offer a different threat which will give Elliott Dickman something to ponder over. The Royals are a risk taking side who like to draw teams out of position. Focused on playing the ball out from the back, Reading look to pick teams off as the opposition push forward. Sunderland can exploit the Royals by either trying to pen them back or by letting them play out from the back and sucking them in themselves. By doing this, the pace of Asoro, Rees Greenwood and Luke Molyneux wherever they are positioned should be able to cause Reading’s backline some problems.
