Royals not ready for Clarets
Burnley v Reading
The play-offs are full of excitement and tension, something Burnley have been used to this season and will no doubt look to use to their advantage in their semi-final first leg against Reading.
Owen Coyle’s men needed a victory in their last league game on Sunday against Bristol City, and duly delivered with a comfortable 4-0 triumph over the Robins at Turf Moor.
A penalty in each half from Graham Alexander, accompanied by strikes from Wade Elliott and Joey Gudjonsson, secured the win for the Clarets.
And due to Cardiff’s slip-up the Clarets finished the season in fifth place, a remarkable achievement when you consider they have played 58 games already this season thanks to successful cup runs.
Yet tiredness has not been a factor and is unlikely to take effect over the two legs because sheer adrenaline will surely keep the players on their toes.
Tired is certainly one way to describe Reading’s attitude as they crashed out of the automatic promotion challenge.
Needing a win against rivals Birmingham, Steve Coppell’s men waited until they found themselves two goals down before staging a comeback, ending the game with four up front.
Keith Fahey and Kevin Phillips gave handed the Blues their advantage before Marek Matejovsky pulled one back for the Royals and put pressure on the away side.
However, it was to no avail as Birmingham secured automatic promotion and left Reading in fourth place.
They certainly aren’t the form team going into the semi-finals but have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg.
Burnely, however, will be buoyed by their fantastic season and the home fans will certainly create an electric atmosphere at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Rhys Williams’ loan spell in Lancashire has ended and he has returned to Middlesbrough, whilst the Royals have no injury or suspension worries.
The sides are all square at one victory apiece this season, but the home crowd’s influence should swing this first leg in favour of Burnley, but only slightly.
Verdict: Burnley 2-1 Reading