Chelsea (A) Match Preview

Reading have a quick turn around from their game with Stoke on Saturday, as they face European Champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It will be a very tough test for Brian McDermott’s men, but one they will certainly relish.

Vital Quotes:

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo – ‘Reading don`t concede many goals and are a threat on the counter-attack. I have always found it hard to play against Brian McDermott`s teams. He has done a wonderful job. I followed the Championship a lot and they are very difficult to play against. It`s a very difficult game when you play a newly-promoted team early on, full of enthusiasm and spirit.’

Reading midfielder Mikele Leigertwood – ‘All games are going to be hard, especially when it`s against the European Champions. We`re relishing the opportunity to prove that we`re just as good. Of course, we`ll respect them but we won`t give them too much respect. We`ve got a job to do and we want to try and cause an upset.’

Chelsea Team News:

Chelsea are likely to welcome back Ramires for this game, who has recovered from illness that kept him out of the win at Wigan. Marko Marin however is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Player to watch: Eden Hazard

Royals boss Brian McDermott admitted he wanted to sign the Belgian playmaker when he was 16 years of age. In the now, Hazard is one of the best midfielders in Europe. Leigertwood & co will need to be disciplined in midfield to not give him too much space.

Reading Team News:

Reading will once again be without key winger Jimmy Kebe, who is still recovering from a hamstring problem. Jem Karacan is also not fully fit to return to action, while striker Jason Roberts is serving his last game of his three-match suspension.

Player to watch: Adam Federici

The Australian international made a very rare error last week against Stoke, allowing Kightly to give Stoke the lead. However, Feders will want to redeem himself tonight and is expected to be a busy man between the sticks.

Expected line-ups:

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Hazard, Oscar, Ramires, Torres

Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, McCleary, Guthrie, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu, Pogrebnyak

Match Prediction:

I can’t see us getting much from the game to be honest. 3-0 Chelsea.

Next Fixtures:

Chelsea – Newcastle (H) – Sat 24th August – Premier League

Reading: – Sunderland (A) – Sat 24th August – Premier League