Premier League preview: Reading v Fulham

Reading continue their search for a first win in the English Premier League this season when they host Fulham on Saturday.

Brian McDermott’s men have collected just three points from a possible 21 in the top flight to sit above only Queens Park Rangers on the table.

Fulham have lost two of their four away league games this season – including a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of West Ham United.

Despite their slow start, Reading captain Jobi McAnuff said his side still believed they could get results.

“We feel we’re good enough to get results in this league – in patches we’ve shown that,” he told the club’s website.

“It’s all about putting it together now.”

Noel Hunt and Pavel Pogrebnyak have both scored twice for Reading this season, while McAnuff has played a key role in the middle of the park.

Reading have conceded 14 goals in the league this campaign and need to improve at the back if they want to keep Fulham at bay.

The 1-0 loss to Liverpool last time out was perhaps flattering, with Brendan Rodgers’ team squandering several opportunities at Anfield.

Martin Jol has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal at Fulham, who sit eighth after a bright start to the season.

Damien Duff and Mladen Petric (three goals each) and Dimitar Berbatov (two) all pose a threat to opposition teams in the attacking third.

But Fulham may be without Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, who picked up a groin injury while on international duty and missed their 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Attacker Hugo Rodallega, competing with Fulham’s goalscorers for a place, said he was ready to fight for his spot.

“Competition is good, though, I believe it can only improve you as a player,” he told the club’s website.

“It keeps you on your toes and striving to be the best that you can be.”

Fulham will be eager to improve on their away record in the league this season, but Reading should be eyeing an opportunity to get their first win.