Reading vs Leyton Orient: Match Preview
Can the high-flying Royals beat the underperforming Os in a pivotal match?
Leyton Orient are the only team in League One so far this season to have lost all four games, sitting bottom of the table.
In fact, at this point last season, Orient had also lost their first four games of the season, managing a draw to Blackpool in the fifth game to get their season up and running, in the end managing a solid 10th in their first season back in the third tier.
Reading currently sit in eighth position in the league with two wins, one draw and one loss, (seven points).
Will the Os’ season repeat or do the Royals have what it takes to change fate?
Ahead of the game, here is your pre-match preview.
What? League One matchday five
Season? 2024/25
Who? Leyton Orient
Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium
When? Saturday September 14
Time? 15:00
Opposition Manager? Richie Wellens
Richie Wellens and his protégée
When writing this I did some deep diving, trying to think of things to write about. Then I stumbled on this…
Richie Wellens, 44, started his senior playing career in 1999, ending his career in 2017, which was the same year he started his managerial career at Oldham Athletic.
But the important date is December 5 2002: the birth of Charlie Wellens, the current Reading under-21 player, who is the son of the Leyton Orient manager.
Charlie Wellens had a massive impact in the Royals’ under-21 side last season, making 20 appearances, scoring five goals and getting one assist. He also made one appearance in the EFL Trophy.
Charlie is a very talented player, having in his career played at least one game in nine different positions, mainly being deployed as a right-back, a right midfielder or a central midfielder, very similar to Michael Craig.
New signings vs lack of players
The name on the lips of every Leyton Orient fan at the moment is Dominic Ball. He’s coming off the back of back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town, only managing 29 appearances for the club. He has signed as a free agent and will bolster their midfield.
Including Ball, Leyton Orient have so far made 10 signings this season: six loans, three free transfers and one for an undisclosed fee.
Comparing this to Reading’s transfer window, they were able to creep in a signing right at the very end of deadline day in Chem Campbell. But that was it.
Orient have been unable to replace their top goal scorer from last season, Ruel Sotiriou. The Cypriot managed 11 goals and five assists last season, helping the Os to a solid 10th place.
The Os have only managed to score one goal this season so far.
The lineup
Sadly there has been some news that Joel Pereira is injured, so it will either be David Button or Coniah Boyce-Clarke’s time to shine. We need to put our trust in one of those goalkeepers and hope and pray they can turn their form around.
As for the back four, Michael Craig has made the right-back position his own, alongside Tyler Bindon and Amadou Mbengue, but I feel like it is time to change the left-back position. Jeriel Dorsett has made too many mistakes this season so far, and I feel it is time to give Kelvin Abrefa a chance to show what he can do on that side.
The midfield three will be as usual with Lewis Wing, Ben Elliott and Charlie Savage. However, Harvey Knibbs has apparently returned to training and could be available for the Leyton Orient game. But I feel he will not be risked when the usual three have been performing so well together since he got injured.
I think the front three will consist of Sam Smith, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and new signing Chem Campbell. Let’s see if the new signing can have good “Chem”istry with the other two.
Sorry, that was poor but necessary.
Score prediction 3-0 Royals!
Chem Campbell to score on his debut.
Support the lads, fill the stadium, and let’s hope Charlie wins the battle of the Wellens.
Come on you Royals!