JAAP STAM says he expects a fast start from Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium this evening.
The Blades, who won League One last season, stormed into contention for back-to-back promotions with a string of impressive results in the first half of the campaign.
But they have found life tougher in recent weeks with manager Chris Wilder not holding back in his criticism of the side during Friday night’s 1-0 defeat at strugglers Hull City.
However, victory for Wilder’s men tonight would lift them back into the Championship’s top six and Stam is expecting a tough test.
“They’re still a very good team,” said the Royals boss.
“It’s a squad with a lot of energy, quality as well in their squad. You can see when they play, especially in the first 20-25 minutes they give everything to make it difficult for the opposition.
“They play a different system so we need to have a look in our squad what we can do, who can play, who is fit enough to make it difficult for them so that we can get those points.
“But they are a good team.”
Reading’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Derby on Saturday kept Stam’s men 18th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone, but they can open up some breathing space by winning their game in hand tonight.
Yann Kermorgant will again miss out through injury and is also unlikely to play at Wolves on Saturday.
But John Swift did make his return from his latest hamstring problems with a 20-minute cameo against the Rams and is likely to have a bigger role this evening.
“Swifty’s recuperation went quite well,” said Stam.
“They took their time with him.
“He could only play 30 minutes on Saturday. For Tuesday night I’m not saying that he can start because we need to bring him gradually into that level where he can start and play 95 minutes.
“So we need to have a look.
“Yann is getting better, feeling better but he’s still out for a couple of games.”
