Reading manager Mark Bowen confident ahead of Nottingham Forest test

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Reading manager Mark Bowen is in confident mood ahead of side’s trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Championship on Saturday.

Sabri Lamouchi’s side have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in the Championship this season. They’ll be desperate to bounce back from their recent defeats against Wigan Athletic and Hull City.

The Reds have still only lost on home soil twice this season, but their recent performances have been somewhat of a concern.

Lamouchi has opted to make a number of changes to his starting line-up over the last two games. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he did so again after the Reds produced a disappointing performance against the Tigers.

The likes of João Carvalho and Lewis Grabban were both reintroduced into the starting line-up against Hull, but neither did much to suggest Lamouchi was wrong to leave them out against Wigan.

Taking all of the above into account, Reading will arrive on Trentside with belief they can get a result.

The Royals have picked up two positive results since Bowen was appointed as manager of the club. They beat Preston North End in dramatic style at the Madejski Stadium, before picking up a good point at Queens Park Rangers in midweek.

However, Bowen is fully aware that a trip to the City Ground won’t be easy for his side. They’ll have to be at their best to get the better of Lamouchi’s side.

‘I want it to be nasty’

Speaking to BerkshireLive ahead of Saturday’s contest, Bowen said: “We’ve got a difficult game again on Saturday.

“But in the last two games, against Preston and QPR, we played teams who are first and third in terms of goals scored.

“I hate that label – ‘if you play Reading it’s going to be a nice game of football.’ Well excuse my language, but sod that. I want it to be nasty for them.”

With the likes of George Pușcaș in his side, the Royals have the ability to find the back of the net at any stage during the game.

They may try to adopt the same counter-attacking tactics which worked so effectively for Hull on Wednesday.

The Reds have struggled to create many chances since returning from the international break so will be desperate to regain their touch in front of goal in this game.