Published: Friday, 24th October, 2008 09:00
Royals face crucial week
By Anthony Smith
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Crunch time: Steve Coppell knows Reading's results in their next three games could help define the season.
STEVE Coppell believes Reading are preparing to enter a `determining’ week in the club’s season which begins with Saturday’s hooped derby against Queens Park Rangers (live on Sky, 5.20pm ko).
The West London billionaires will attempt to succeed where six other teams have already failed and take points off Royals at fortress Madejski Stadium this season.
But Coppell knows that perhaps the biggest test lies ahead next week with back-to-back away games at Burnley and Bristol City, two clubs currently in the top six.
Royals, who lost at Preston last Saturday, have won just once on their travels this season, albeit at the then leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
They must quickly improve on that record to maintain their promotion challenge but that looks far from certain given the obstacles standing in their way.
Coppell explained: “The next seven days is a determining week for us. We have a had home game with QPR then go to Burnley, who are showing how strong they are, and then Bristol City.
“When you think Bristol could easily be playing Premier League football right now it gives you an idea of the size of the week ahead.
“But after Bristol City we will have played 15 games which is a third of the way through the season. At that stage will know a bit more about where we are.
“But so many teams are beating each other than every game is a big game. We were disappointed to lose at Preston but the performance was okay. I’m positive that if we play to that level over the season we will get results.”
Goals from Andre Bikey and Kevin Doyle saw Reading secure a nervy 2-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night to preserve their 100% home record.
They remain the leading goalscorers in England but their home form has created its own problems. “Because we have this great home record people wants to do something about it,” suggested Coppell. “Nobody is going to come here and lie down and die for us.
“They are going to make it as difficult as possible and try to stop us playing. That will be the first tactical plan all teams will have when they come.
“We’ve got to have the answers. It’s down to us. Yes, we’ve done well so far and scored quite a lot of goals. But we can’t be complacent and `expect’ to do well in any game or we will be punished.”
QPR’s results away from home suggest Royals may have to be at their most patient. They have scored just twice on their travels all season and, with boss Iain Dowie under pressure, they are unlikely to go all-out attack.
“Forgetting the fact we’re neighbours and it’s a derby, the most important thing is we know three points will make a big difference to both teams,” stated Coppell.
“We are eager to maintain our good home form but I know Iain Dowie will have them pumped up, they’ll be ready for us.
“I think most people expected more of a cash input at QPR but the owners want to do it the right way, if there is such a thing. It’s not been spend, spend, spend and in many ways I admire that.”
Meanwhile, Coppell hinted he could change his personnel this weekend, with the possibility of James Harper returning to add fresh legs in midfield.
Coppell has picked an unchanged side for the last five games and Harper, who was the captain earlier in the season, has been kept on the bench.
“The squad was important to us on Tuesday when Harps and Kalifa (Cisse) came on,” said Coppell. “They gave us the extra energy we needed.
“Brynjar Gunnarsson has had a heavy work load with internationals and Jem Karacan is still young. We just have to be wary about the situation.
“We will achieve nothing with 11 players and I know that by the end of the season we will have used at least 20.”
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