Liverpool (A) Match Preview

After last Saturdays impressive draw against Premiership giants Liverpool, the Royals head to Anfield with a giantkilling in their sights! A full match preview is here…..

Vital Quotes:

Reading manager Brian McDermott-

‘I`m sure Rafa will field a strong team as like us they didn`t have a game this weekend, but if you ask any footballer they`ll say that they always want to play against the best players in the game.’

‘We have to make sure we are prepared as well we can be and we`ll be looking to win the game and play a full part in the fixture and progress into the fourth round. We`ll speak about the history of the place before the game and I think it`s important that the players do relish the experience and enjoy it.’

Liverpool Team News:

Liverpool are expected to field a strong line up including the likes of Torres and Gerrard for this 3rd round replay. Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Albert Riera are all injured whilst Javier Mascherano is suspended.

Player to watch: Fernando Torres

Spanish striker is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League but Matt Mills kept him very quiet in the first game. He will have to have another excellent game to subdue him again.

Reading Team News:

The Royals will have to do without loan signings Gunnar Thorvaldsson and Andy Griffin who were not registered for the first game, so cannot play. Marek Matejovsky returns from injury but is unlikely to start with McDermott keeping faith with the side that got a draw at the Madejski Stadium.

Player to watch: Simon Church

Scored in the first game between the sides and will be keen to impress again, especially as he is a boyhood Man Utd fan!

Last Meeting

Saturday 2nd January 2010, Reading 1-1 Liverpool.

Ref Watch:

Premiership ref Phil Dowd will take charge of the game.

Match Prediction:

Despite holding the Reds in the first game, I can only predict a home win. Liverpool 3-0 Reading.

Next Fixture:

Saturday 16th January 2010, Notts Forest (A)