Reading approach their 11th Premer League game and still look for their first three points in the top division, as high-flying Everton visit the Madejski Stadium. Brian McDermott’s side enjoyed FA Cup success against the Toffee’s two years ago as they won at Goodison Park, but they are going to have to create new heroics if they are going to beat the Merseyside outfit tomorrow.
Vital Quotes:
Reading defender Sean Morrison – ‘The teams that are successful are usually the ones who keep the most clean sheet. So that’s what we’re trying to do. The lads will get the ball in the net at the other end so we’re not worried about not scoring. We’ve had two important games recently and two draws – so it’s not too bad. We just need to keep being solid at the back and throughout the team.’
Everton manager David Moyes – ‘Any game in the Premier League is tough. I think Reading have had quite good results. You might say they’ve not by not winning, but they’ve had some really good draws. It’s hard to win in the Premier League, as they’re finding out, but the results have been better than they have been given credit for. To achieve what he has with Reading, he’s done a great job.’
Reading Team News:
Reading have been struck with another injury in recent days as Jimmy Kebe is has been ruled out by a tight groin. Midfielders Danny Guthrie and Jem Karacan are also definitely out of this game. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is also injured for this encounter, as he nurses a shoulder injury.
Player to watch: Sean Morrison
The 22-year old has only played two Premier League games in his career so far, but has looked far from out of place. Was arguably the Royals’ man of the match against Noriwch, where the Berkshire side kept their first clean sheet of the season.
Everton Team News:
Everton also have their fair share of injury doubts, with Kevin Mirallas certainly not going to play a part, as he has a hamstring problem. However, the attacking duo of Steven Naismith and Darron Gibson could return for this game, but striker Victor Anichebe and defender Tony Hibbert are still on the injury table.
Player to watch: Marouane Fellaini
The Belgium international has been a revelation for David Moyes’ side this season, currently standing as their top scorer with 6 goals. Brian McDermott revealed this week that Reading wanted to sign Fellaini when he was a teenager.
Expected line-ups:
Reading: Federici, Gunter, Morrison, Gorkss, Shorey, McCleary, Leigertwood, Tabb, McAnuff, Roberts, Hunt
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Mirallas, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic
Ref Watch:
The referee for this match will be Martin Atkinson.
Match Prediction:
With the form Everton are in, I am not feeling confident about this game. As much as we seem to do better against the bigger sides, their midfield is likely to be too much for our weak alternative.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 1 – 2 Everton
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Wigan (A) – Sat 24th November – Premier League
Everton – Norwich (H) – Sat 24th November – Premier League
