The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a surprise 2-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, while Reading got the better of a struggling Blackpool 3-1 on the same day.
Middlesbrough will be hoping to get back to winning ways to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive on Saturday afternoon when they host Reading at Riverside Stadium in the Championship. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a surprise 2-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, while Reading got the better of a struggling Blackpool 3-1 on the same day. Despite the defeat, Boro are still occupying the third spot in the English second tier standings, having collected 57 points from 34 games, seven adrift of second-placed Sheffield United, who have a game in hand. The visitors, meanwhile, have played a game less than Michael Carrick’s side and are sitting at the 14th position, with 44 points to their name.
“It’ll be a tough test, but we’ve had a good week and all the boys are ready to go’ 👊
🗣️ Royals keeper Dean Bouzanis previews this weekends fixture at Middlesbrough 🔵⚪#MIDREA #Readingfc pic.twitter.com/Bi1sbEtE5W
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) March 2, 2023
Middlesbrough’s five-game winning run in the Championship came to an end away to West Brom last Saturday, courtesy of Daryl Dike’s brace inside the opening 10 minutes. Despite having close to 70% of ball possession, Boro could find the back of the net at the Hawthorns. It was only the second time that Middlesbrough have failed to score in the second tier match since October. Prior to that, Carrick’s side defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-1 at home, thanks to Chuba Akpom’s brace and Riley McGree’s late effort. Akpom leads the Championship Golden Boot race with 17 goals to his name from 27 appearances, four ahead of his nearest challenger Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City. Boro have recorded 17 wins, 6 draws and 11 defeats in the second tier this season.
Reading, on the other hand, secured their 13th league-win of the season against relegation battlers Blackpool last time out. The Royals pocketed all three points at home, courtesy of Tom Ince’s brace and Andy Carroll’s one goal from the penalty spot. It was Paul Ince’s side’s first win from their last eight outings in all competitions. The result helped the Royals to move 13 points clear of the drop zone. Reading have struggled away from home, collecting just 11 points away from Berkshire this season, only Huddersfield Town have earned fewer points on away grounds.
Middlesbrough centre-back Paddy McNair suffered a head injury in the defeat to West Brom last time out and therefore may not be available for Saturday’s game, joining long-term absentee Matthew Clarke on the sidelines. Archer will continue to lead the line, with Akpom operating behind him as a second striker. As for Reading, full-back Andy Yiadom is back after serving a two-match suspension for collecting ten yellow cards over the season. Meanwhile, forward Lucas Joao is occupying the treatment room because of a knee injury.
Middlesbrough probable line-up: Steffen, Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles, Hackney, Howson, Forss, Akpom, McGree, Archer
Reading Probable line-up: Lumley, Mbengue, Dann, Sarr, McIntyre, Casadei, Hendrick, Meite, Ince, Hoilett, Carroll
Middlesbrough
Opponents | Score |
West Brom | 2-0 (L) |
QPR | 3-1 (W) |
Sheffield United | 1-3 (W) |
Cardiff | 1-3 (W) |
Blackpool | 3-0 (W) |
Reading
Opponents | Score |
Blackpool | 3-1 (W) |
Cardiff | 1-0 (L) |
Rotherham | 2-1 (W) |
Sunderland | 1-0 (L) |
Watford | 2-2 (D) |
Last 5 match-results | Score |
Reading beat Middlesbrough | 1-0 |
Middlesbrough beat Reading | 2-1 |
Reading beat Middlesbrough | 1-0 |
Middlesbrough beat Reading | 0-2 |
Middlesbrough draw Reading | 0-0 |
The EFL Championship match between Middlesbrough and Reading will take place at Riverside Stadium on Saturday at 8:30 pm IST.
Middlesbrough vs Reading | Key Details |
Date | March 4 |
Venue | Riverside Stadium |
Kickoff time in UK | 3:00 pm |
Kickoff time in India | 8:30 pm |
Unfortunately, there is no reliable information available for the live stream details about the match between Middlesbrough and Reading. We will update the readers as and when any information becomes available.