Reading caretaker boss Scott Marshall could rotate squad for Middlesbrough visit

Posted Friday, December 21, 2018 by PA

Caretaker Reading boss Scott Marshall has prepared the team for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough amid speculation that Jose Gomes is set to replace Paul Clement.

The Teessiders’ visit to the Madejski Stadium would be under-23s manager Marshall’s third game in charge since Clement’s exit earlier this month.

He could have choices to make with a series of players stepping up their recovery from injury.

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, defender Omar Richards, midfielder Dave Edwards and striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson all played in the Under-23s’ International Cup quarter-final victory over Jong Feyenoord on Wednesday evening to edge closer to full fitness.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis is likely to revert to his big guns after seeing their under-studies misfire in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by League One Burton.

Ryan Shotton, Daniel Ayala, Adam Clayton, George Saville, Jonny Howson and Britt Assombalonga made way for Dael Fry, Danny Batth, Grant Leadbitter, Muhamed Besic, Lewis Wing and Martin Braithwaite, and all six will hope to return.

Only striker Rudy Gestede is missing as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury.

Boro will arrive in Berkshire without a win in five games in all competitions and having scored just three goals in the process.