2 Reading FC team dilemmas facing Paul Ince ahead of Birmingham City clash

Paul Ince takes his first game in charge of Championship side Reading tonight as they face Birmingham City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with both sides fancying their chances of three points.

Despite failing to win a single game in 2022 prior to the weekend, their 3-2 victory away at Preston North End will be a real confidence booster coming into this meeting with their first-half performance at Deepdale potentially a good sign of things to come.

Many would question why a squad of their calibre is anywhere near the drop zone – but it’s clear to see why when their defence has been so poor – conceding two or more goals in all but one of their 11 competitive matches so far during this calendar year.

Tightening their defence will be the former England international’s priority then, although it remains to be seen whether his new methods and a fresh voice will pay dividends tonight against a Birmingham side that have been rejuvenated by their winter signings.

Naturally, there will be dilemmas for the home side’s interim boss in his first game with several selection calls to make and injuries to monitor.

We have selected just two he will face coming into this evening’s clash.

Time to start Meite?

This is a very difficult decision to make – because the Ivorian is one of their most valuable players when he’s on form and certainly has the goalscoring prowess to make a real difference this evening alongside the likes of Lucas Joao and John Swift.

Perhaps surprisingly, he started against Peterborough United in midweek in what was a big breakthrough as he managed to get through 82 minutes before being withdrawn, as he continues to build his game time after recovering from an ACL injury.

Some supporters expected the 26-year-old