José Gomes has a big choice coming up as Tyler Blackett and Jordan Obita are both set to return to the Reading squad after injury.

Omar Richards has been the man who has been occupying the left wing-back and so far, he's done a fantastic job. Gomes decided to change his system following the first two fixtures, and the defeats they brought with them.

The Portuguese boss has opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Richards operating on the left helping support the three centre-backs defensively as well as getting up the pitch to be the main man on that particular wing during attacks.

The youth graduate has taken to the role superbly, and his game looks a lot better when he's given the freedom to run forward with the ball, much like the Royals' right wing-back, Andy Yiadom.

However, it will be interesting to see what happens to that left-side once both Tyler Blackett and Jordan Obita return from injury. Blackett has a minor injury, although he has missed all of the Royals' opening four fixtures, whilst Obita has been out for 22 months after a knee injury against Hull City in 2017.

Blackett would be Richards' main short-term rival for the place on the left, as he was a mainstay in the side that kept Reading in the Championship last season. His all-round game has improved significantly since Gomes came in, but he, unfortunately, got injured during the last pre-season friendly against Chelsea.

In Richards' favour, Blackett's attributes do not suit the left wing-back position. He doesn't necessarily have the pace needed to get up and down the wing, as well as the know-how in attacking positions. Blackett is more of a defensive left back that can make the Royals more solid - he is also competent at centre-back which makes himself an option as a standby for the current defenders.

Obita is more of a potential long-term rival for the spot in the team. Having been out for over 22 months, it's impossible to know how he is going to be, and if he will ever get back to the ability he was at before. He's a perfect suitor for a left wing-back, which he showed in Jaap Stam's first season at the club.

It'll be interesting to see what Gomes decides to do as the season goes on, but there is absolutely no reason why he should consider dropping Richards after his excellent games against both Cardiff and West Brom.

Reading take on Huddersfield this Saturday looking to get their first away win of the new season.