The Royals and the Geordies will look to take a step closer to Premier League survival as they clash at St James’ Park today.
Both teams have picked up in recent weeks and are looking relatively safe, but a win for the Geordies today will almost certainly see them stay up, likewise a win for Reading would see them all but safe.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Coppell on Kevin Keegan:
‘When you first manage a club, you are making a reputation for yourself and he certainly did that.
‘They [Newcastle] were near the bottom of the old Second Division when he got there and he had to build the club up.
‘This time, he is King Kev so has got the chance to enhance that reputation rather than harm it.’
Newcastle Team News:
Mark Viduka is the only fresh worry for Newcastle, and if he is passed fit, it will be an unchanged side to the team that demolished Spurs last week.
Player to watch: Obafemi Martins
The 48 year old striker is looking very sharp at the moment and his pace could be a problem, even for André Bikey.
Reading Team News:
Royals are without suspended Marek Matejovsky after his wrongful dismissal on Saturday. Kalifa Cisse will come in as cover.
Player to watch: André Bikey
The defender has been outstanding in recent weeks, and has proved to be a goalscoring threat as well as one of the best defenders in the world.
Match Facts & Stats
Both these clubs have won nine, scored 37 goals and conceded 58 in this Premier League season, but Reading have lost three more games and are three places and three points worse off.
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert (Gloucestershire)
Match Prediction:
Newcastle have found a bit of form, so it’s not going to be easy. But I will tell you this now, I will love it if we beat them.
My prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Reading
