After the dramatic Carling Cup win over Torquay, its back to league action and a trip to last seasons FA Cup finalists Portsmouth. Despite Pompey’s well publicised financial problems, and small squad, they still have a lot of experience in the ranks and this will be a tough encounter for the Royals.
Vital Quotes:
Right back Andy Griffin on his return to Fratton Park –
‘It`s always nice going back to your previous club, but it will be a difficult game, it`s an enclosed environment down at Fratton Park and when we were in the Premier League, the so-called bigger clubs didn`t really like going there.’
Former Royals Ibrahima Sonko –
‘Reading is the team where I made my name. But I play football for Pompey now, so I must put my love to the side and focus on the game.’
Portsmouth Team News:
Portsmouth only managed to name 4 subs for the trip to Coventry last weekend but have bolstered their options with the loan signing of Carl Dickinson from Stoke. He is likely to start at left back with Matt Richie, who has operated in defence for the last 2 games, and John Utaka fighting it out for a place on the left of midfield.
Kanu remains unavailable as he has not yet signed a new contract, and they will also be missing Danny Webber, Tom Kilbey, Hermann Hreidarsson and Billy Goddard through injury.
Player to watch: Dave Nugent
Impressed at Burnley last season in the Premier League but has returned to Portsmouth this season and is a proven Championship player. Is always a goal threat and will cause the Royals defence problems on Saturday afternoon.
Reading Team News:
The Royals have a number of injury doubts following a bruising encounter last weekend that saw 4 of our squad wiped out! Matt Mills and Jobi McAnuff will face late fitness tests, as will Jay Tabb who injured his ankle against Torquay in midweek.
Shane Long missed Ireland’s defeat to Argentina in midweek and remains doubtful, whilst Simon Church hopes to recover from a groin injury that ruled him out of Wales international.
Player to watch: Jimmy Kebe
Malian winger has not had the greatest of starts to the season and he will have a point to prove to those fans who have said we are seeing the real Kebe, after an impressive 5 months last season.
Last Meeting
1st January 2008, Reading 0-2 Portsmouth
Match Prediction:
I’m backing the Royals to get some points on the board and record a 2-1 win.
Next Fixture:
Saturday 21st August, Nottingham Forest (H)
im backing a resurgent portsmouth to win 2-1. im also backing there will be a bit in the program refering back to the 7-4 win in the premiership
im surprised you didnt pick John Utaka as a player to wath; its amazing how little he does and how easily he does it; defo worth watching