Man United Game Preview

With the Royals` biggest game of the season so far coming up, lets look at some news from the home and away camps.

Vital Quotes:

Reading manager Steve Coppell:

‘It was always the chairman’s dream to host Manchester United in a league game and we have got to make sure the dream doesn’t evaporate.
‘We have to make sure we are at the top of our game because undoubtedly if we don’t play well we will be beaten.

‘But this game is not going to decide our Premiership future because the chances are Manchester United will beat most teams. It is not a critical factor in our longevity in this division.’


Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher discusses the race for this years title:

‘It is hard to play catch up.
‘As soon as you make a mistake you fall even further behind.

‘That is why the real focus this year was to make a good start to the Premiership and keep ourselves in contention right from the off.

‘Manchester United have to be at the top of the league, we have to be challenging.

‘There was a real confidence in the dressing room this summer because we know we have the ability to match Chelsea.’

Reading Team News:

Reading are expected to announce a starting eleven that will not differ from the one that beat Sheffield United away from home last weekend. With all but Leroy Lita, Kevin Doyle and James Harper being rested for the League Cup tie against Darlington in the week, the starting eleven will be itching to go against the biggest team they have encountered yet this competitive year.

Royals` lead goal scorer Kevin Doyle will start the match despite worries that a dead leg may keep him sidelined, the Irish international is looking forward to facing the club he supported as boy and assured fans there would be no grievance as to where his loyalties lie on match day: “Obviously I want Reading to win! I was a Man Utd fan up until about 14 or 15, but then it dies off at that age.”
Meanwhile fellow striker Dave Kitson will still be missing from the squad after the problem with his knee has kept him out longer then anyone at the club expected: “I`ve not been able to do anything faster then walk for the past two or three weeks now, and it`s not easy to come to training and watch your mates kicking a ball around.” The forward said.

Now fully fit winger, Glenn Little could make his first full debut of the season against United to make it a line-up completely unchanged from last years Championship winning side. However Seol Ki-Hyeon is expected to maintain his place, as more often then not, Steve Coppell will not change a winning side. And with new signings Andre Bikey and Ulises De La Cruz, and Welsh winger John Oster among those who played well in Tuesday evening`s game against Darlington, Coppell will have more then enough choice as to who will make up the rest of the squad.

Reading boss Steve Coppell is of course looking forward to facing the club he played for as a player. The Royals` manager played with the Red Devils for nine years, and holds the record for the most consecutive games played at the club. Coppell insist that Reading will not change their s

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle has been a pleasure to watch so far this season, so expect him to try and cause some trouble to the Man Utd defence.

Man Utd Team News:

In Man Utd news, goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Saar will return to the Utd team following the stomach upset that left him out of the Red Devils` defeat to Arsenal at home last weekend.

Mikael Silvestre is not available for selection due to a foot injury so back form injury Gabriel Heinze or Patrice Evra are expected to take his place.

Ryan Giggs and Seol`s international team-mate Park Ji-Sung are completely ruled out while Nemanja Vidic and Alan Smith are close to full recover.
With a Champions League tie against Benfica on Tuesday evening, Alex Ferguson may make some big changes in game that may be deemed one of United`s easier fixtures.

Player to watch: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney will be looking to make his mark in his first appearance at the Madejski Stadium, but the high calibre of all United’s player mean that a careful eye will be cast over the whole Utd team by the home side.

Match Facts & Stats

A 4-0 victory for Reading would mean they leapfrog United in the Premiership table!

United have scored 11 goals by seven different players, statistically this is the most potent attack in the Premiership.

The two teams have never faced each other in league matches before.

Match Prediction:

An away win would be the obvious prediction, but everyone saw the trouble Watford gave United at Vicarage Road and with the Madejski Stadium’s terrific atmosphere the home side will have an edge. My gut says away win but I’m still going to predict a draw!

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