Reading FC: Ruben Selles faces Crawley Town dilemma after Rotherham United flashpoint – View.
The Royals were likely disappointed with their 2-1 loss against Rotherham United, despite being in a strong position to win.
Lewis Wing’s first-half free kick should have given the Berkshire side a solid foundation to build on and secure at least one point.
However, they disintegrated early in the second half, with goals from Sam Nombe and Hakeem Odoffin securing the three points for the Millers.
Ruben Selles’ side had earned back-to-back home triumphs, so the encounter in South Yorkshire provided an ideal opportunity to build on that and collect another three points.
But they were unable to do so in the end, and they were dealt a further setback when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan was sent off in the 68th minute.
Not only did they damage the Royals’ chances of winning the game at Rotherham, but they also rule him out for this weekend’s match against Rob Elliot’s side.
This is a disappointment, given how well Ehibhatiomhan has done at times this term.
It remains to be known who will replace him, and Selles is in a difficult position.
Harvey Knibbs may have to make a Reading FC sacrifice.
Harvey Knibbs has been a valuable addition to the Berkshire team since his arrival.
The Royals may have been able to perform a fair job without him, despite the player missing much of the early stages of the season due to injury, but he is a highly effective offensive player who shown his abilities last season.
| Harvey Knibbs’ 2023/24 campaign at Reading | |
|---|---|
| (All competitions) | |
| Appearances | 53 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 6 |
He can play both in the middle and on the left, which might be essential with Ehibhatiomhan sidelined.
With Knibbs going to the left, Charlie Savage, who can score from long range, might have a significant impact against Crawley.
It’s not as if the Royals wouldn’t have a solid midfield option on the bench if Savage came in; Tivonge Rushesha has already demonstrated his ability and deserves a chance to shine at some time.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t got that opportunity yet, and it’s tough to imagine Knibbs going to the left given how ineffectual he was there in the early stages of last season, with the most of his success coming from a central position.
That would put Savage on the bench once more, though it is impossible to imagine the Welshman not making an appearance on Saturday, whether he starts or not.
Ruben Selles could take a risk on Adrian Akande.
With Paul Mukairu and Dom Ballard going at the end of their loans, Femi Azeez leaving in the summer, and Taylan Harris and Caylan Vickers leaving in January, there is a lack of alternatives on the wing.
Fortunately, Ehibhatiomhan has established himself as a danger out wide, and thankfully, Chem Campbell was permitted to join the club on loan until January.
However, with Ehibhatiomhan sidelined, academy graduate Adrian Akande may get another chance to establish his worth at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Despite some success against Wrexham and an assist against Charlton Athletic this season, he remains inexperienced.
Knibbs has previously failed to play well out wide, and Akande has done enough this season to warrant another start, thus the latter must start against Crawley, with the former starting in the center alongside Elliott.
Akande will need to be at his best if he hopes to make an impact on Saturday. Crawley may be a difficult opponent to beat, despite their home setback against Shrewsbury Town last weekend.
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