Cardiff and Reading are two closely matched teams, but it was Cardiff who came out on top recently after a 2-0 victory over the Royals, thanks to goals from Kenwyne Jones and Matthew Connolly.

Steve Clarke’s bright start to the season is slowly becoming a wide debate to where he should play his best players.

Nick Blackman is the hot topic as the majority of Reading fans feel that Clarke should be playing the top scorer up front, where he has been lethal this season instead of the manager playing him at right wing.

Reading are performing better in the League this season and brought in some quality players to the squad in the summer, but Clarke needs to re-think his tactical decisions which are slightly costing his side this season.

Russell Slade was not a popular man when he first arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium. Many fans lost patience with him early on and called for him to be sacked.

This showed from Cardiff’s consistent low attendance this season and the club broke the record for the lowest attendance they have ever seen at their stadium. Only 13,500 people showing up for a Championship game.

However, Slade has slowly won the fans round with the side showing signs of challenging for the play offs.

The two play-off hopefuls have shown improvements this year and FLW Writer Ashley Williams gives his opinion of the best Cardiff City vs Reading combined team…..

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE BEST COMBINED XI!

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GK – David Marshall – Cardiff City

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The Scottish first choice keeper has been magnificent for the Welsh club for several seasons now, and it is a surprise to not see him in the Premier League.

The goalkeeper is one of the best keepers in the Championship and was close to signing for West Brom in the summer, but the club refused to let the keeper go.

The 30-year-old remains committed to the club and the shot stopper was Cardiff’s man of the match against Reading after several excellent saves.

LB – Fabio – Cardiff City

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Fabio is earning rave reviews at the Cardiff City stadium this season after many man of the match performances.

Since arriving from Manchester United in January 2014, it would be fair to say the Brazilian has somewhat divided opinion in the Welsh capital.

There are those who see him as an all-action marauder, as happy in the opposition penalty area as his own, while others warn his forward thinking is always likely to cause problems when the Bluebirds are on the back foot.

He has really balanced his attacking runs this season and looks a more reassured defender.

CB – Michael Hector – Reading

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Chelsea snapped up the Reading centre back in the summer and Mourinho decided to loan him back to Reading for this campaign.

Hector has showed in recent weeks why Chelsea paid £4 million for him.

He had a mixed start to the Championship, but the young defender and Paul McShane are proving a good partnership for the Royals defence.

CB – Paul McShane – Reading

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McShane has not put a foot wrong since he joined the Royals from Hull City in the summer.

The commanding Republic of Ireland international has been a revelation at the heart of the club's defence, and has really aided Michael Hector in his development.

A real leader on the pitch.

 

RB – Chris Gunter – Reading

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Chris Gunter is a great right back and nobody looks like taking his position away from him at the Madejski Stadium.

He helped Wales qualify for Euro 2016 in France next summer with some impressive performances.

Gunter has had a great year and it would really top it off if he helped his side get promoted to the Premier League.

RW- Craig Noone – Cardiff City

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The explosive winger has been a great signing for the Bluebirds since his move from Brighton; he had a poor season last year but is getting back to his old self.

The winger is known for turning full-backs inside out and is often placed on the right wing, even though he is primarily left footed.

CM- Peter Whittingham

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The Cardiff midfielder has been a real servant at the club.

He has been part of everything that Cardiff do.

He has one of the best left foots in the division and creates so many opportunities for Cardiff to break forward.

Whether he picks out a pass or takes a corner, you always know something positive is going to happen when he gets on the ball.

CM- Danny Williams – Reading

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Williams is a real fan favourite at the club and despite Reading’s struggles last season, he was one of their best players in a blue and white shirt.

He continues to control the midfield set up for the Royals and has brought real belief to the dressing room to get Reading back into the Premier League.

LW- Lucas Piazon – Reading

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The Brazilian has been pretty impressive since his loan move from Chelsea and has contributed to some of Reading’s attacking display.

Piazon clearly has an abundance of skill and ability, and it seems like Steve Clarke is really getting the best out of him.

ST- Nick Blackman – Reading

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Blackman has proved that he is an incredibly lethal striker from all the goals that he has scored this season.

He has that distinct clinical nature about him and will not get into that position to bang in the goals for Reading this season if he is placed on the wing.

The striker possesses excellent natural dribbling ability, and looks set to go very far in the game.

ST- Kenwyne Jones – Cardiff City

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The Trinidad and Tobago striker came back from injury at the start of November, and lifted the Bluebird’s dressing room with his goal against Reading after their drought.

The striker has a real presence when he is up front and scored many goals for the Bluebirds last season before he was loaned out to Bournemouth.