On the back of solid victories, Reading and Cardiff face off at the Cardiff City Stadium. The Royals are in a fine run of form while Malky Mackay’s Cardiff are making themselves known as genuine promotion contenders
Vital Quotes:
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay – ‘Reading are a good team who are in a good vein of form right now. It wasn’t too long ago that we were at the Madejski Stadium for a hard game, picking up the win there. On Monday we fully expect the same intensity and test from a team that have been together for a couple of years with good experience, but we’re looking forward to it.’
Reading manager Brian McDermott – ‘My strongest memory from 2011 is our supporters. They’ve been superb for us this season, our home support is getting bigger and bigger, and when we go away we have such a great following.’
Cardiff Team News:
Cardiff defender Kevin McNaughton should be back for the Bluebirds, after picking up a knock on Boxing Day. If he isn’t fit, Darcy Blake is ready on standby.
Player to watch: Kenny Miller
The obvious choice is normally Peter Whittingham but Miller has proved what a fantastic and experienced goalscorer he is.
Reading Team News:
Brian McDermott doesn’t have any new injury worries, so is likely to name an unchanged XI for the third game in a row. Mathieu Manset and Brynjar Gunnarsson are still out with injuries.
Player to watch: Alex Pearce
The young central defender is getting better game by game and will certainly have his hands full with the likes of Whittingham and Miller.
Match Prediction:
Given our recent run of form, I think we could sneak a score draw. 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
Cardiff – West Brom (A) – 7th January – FA Cup 3rd Round
Reading – Stevenage (H) – 7th January – FA Cup 3rd Round
