Preview: Reading vs. Cardiff City - prediction, team news, lineups

At the same time that the Bluebirds were getting off to the perfect start, the Royals were succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Blackpool.

Match preview

Ahead of the start of the new season, Steve Morison suggested that supporters could look forward to seeing a different side to the one that flirted with a relegation battle in 2021-22.

With one game gone, Morison can claim to be living up to his word, Cardiff outfighting Norwich to prevail by the odd goal in a game which saw both teams have a man sent off.

Morison would have preferred not to have played 12 minutes of the closing stages at a player disadvantage, but it created a scenario where his players - new and old - needed to show a test of character.

They ultimately came through with flying colours, posting a result which has naturally increased expectations among a fanbase who want reassurance that last season was nothing more than a blip.

Nevertheless, Cardiff's starting lineup last weekend featured as many as eight debutants, and it will take time for consistency to follow the energy and commitment which was provided against the Canaries.

In sharp contrast, Reading went down by a 1-0 scoreline to opponents in Blackpool who they may regard as direct rivals the longer that the season progresses.

The Royals lost out to a goal scored in the ninth minute, Paul Ince's side unable to get back on level terms as they suffered defeat at Bloomfield Road.

The club's fans will be grateful for how Ince helped instigate change during the back end of last season, but he remains under pressure to produce a team who can avoid another battle against the drop.

Although Reading arguably have one of the more favourable starts on paper, they will need to raise their game considerably if they are not to feature in the lower echelons come the end of the month.

Reading Championship form:

Cardiff City Championship form:

Team News

Having praised his side for their second-half performance at Blackpool, Ince may opt to stick with the same Reading XI.

Shane Long is likely to be given longer to build up his fitness, resulting in another outing among the replacements.

Sam Hutchinson, Scott Dann, Femi Azeez and Lucas Joao all remain out on contention through injury.

Cardiff will be without Perry Ng due to the red card that he collected in the win over Norwich.

Curtis Nelson is expected to deputise in the middle of the backline, but Morison may select the remainder of the team which impressed last time out.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, McIntyre; Hoilett, Fornah, Hendrick, Guinness-Walker; Ince, Meite, Ejaria

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Allsop; Romeo, Nelson, Kipre, Collins; Wintle, Rinomhota; Ojo, Sawyers, O'Dowda; Watters

We say: Reading 1-2 Cardiff City

Back on home territory, Reading will be confident of getting back on track against opponents who may have over-performed last weekend. Nevertheless, Cardiff's belief will be higher, and we can see the visitors departing Berkshire with another three points to their name.

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