STATS: McAnuff has assisted half of Reading’s goals vs Baird working hardest for Fulham
Reading v Fulham, Saturday 15:00
Reading lost 1-0 to Liverpool in their last league game, despite Gareth McLeary and Jobi McAnuff both threatening the Liverpool goal
McAnuff has four assists so far this season, meaning he has set up half of Reading’s eight goals this season
Adrian Mariappa did his best to disrupt Liverpool’s play, making 19 interceptions, putting him joint fifth for interceptions in a single game this season. He also made four blocks, joint second in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for blocks in a game.
Despite Liverpool largely dominating the game, Mikele Leigertwood contributed the third best passing display by a Reading player this season, completing 20 passes in the Liverpool half. Leigertwood himself holds top spot with 23 passes against West Brom.
Meanwhile Alex McCarthy in goal impressed making ten saves in total, also joint fifth for saves in a game this season
Chris Baird scored the solitary goal as Fulham beat Aston Villa 1-0 to extend an impressive run at Craven Cottage
Baird has had more involvement defensively than offensively this season, making an impressive 28 interceptions and won 8 of their 13 tackles
Baird also covered the most ground for Fulham in that game with 6.41 miles, the third highest individual total of a Fulham player this season
Baird’s goal came from a John Arne Riise corner, his fourth assist of the season and a contribution which lifted the Norwegian to 13th in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index
Hugo Rodallega must be hoping for a change in fortune, as Fulham’s new signing has had an impressive 23 efforts at goal with 65% on target but has just one Premier League goal for his troubles this season. Rodallega must be hoping the goals start coming soon, starting against Reading.
Mark Schwarzer continues to impress, the experienced goalkeeper is joint second among the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index’s busiest goalkeepers having made 45 saves so far this season