The Royals will look to continue their recent impressive home form when Ipswich visit on Tuesday night, and will be looking to continue a record of scoring in every home game since Brian McDermott took charge.
We will be boosted by the fine win over Barnsley on Saturday, but will have to do without Zurab Kizhanishvili who is suspended following his sending off in that game.
A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Manager Brian McDermott on who will replace Zurab –
‘Pearcey came on and did a good job, which shows the value of the squad. It was a real squad effort with Pearcey, Hal Robson-Kanu and Hunty (Noel Hunt) coming on. Bryn was injured on Thursday, so that’s why he wasn’t available.’
Hal Robson Kanu on his chances of starting after a cameo against Barnsley-
‘I want to play games, hopefully my performances on the pitch will show that. It’s just nice to be involved and hopefully I’ll get plenty more opportunities in the future.’
Reading Team News:
The Royals will have to do without Zurab Kizhanishvili, so Alex Pearce will deputise after being dropped at the weekend. Brian Howard will sit out the second of his three game ban as well.
Chris Armstrong showed no ill effects of his first game in 18 months at the weekend, so will hope to start but could be rested if Brynjar Gunnarsson is back.
Simon Church will hope to continue upfront, but Hal Robson Kanu will be pushing to start alongside Shane Long.
Player to watch: Alex Pearce
Dropped, rightly so, at the weekend but is coming straight back in after Zurab’s red card. The pressure will be on the young centre back and he must improve if he stands any chance of keeping his place.
Ipswich Team News:
Jamie Peters will hope to start after scoring from the bench at the weekend against Scunthorpe, however highly rated Connor Wickham is likely to be dropped after being hauled off after 30 minutes of the draw at Glanford Park.
Player to watch: Carlos Edwards
Former Sunderland winger can win a game on his own, on his day. Will be sure to give Ian Harte a tough evening.
Last Meeting
Saturday 3rd April 2010, Ipswich 2-1 Reading
Match Prediction:
The Royals are on a roll at home, and I expect us to get three points in this one but it will be a tight game. Reading 2-1 Ipswich
Next Fixture:
Saturday 2nd October 2010, Preston (A)
