Prev: Portsmouth v Reading

Reading went out of the Carling Cup to Liverpool in the week, but there was no disgrace in that. After three defeats in a row in the Premiership we got the crucial victory over Wigan last week, now we have the difficult task of trying to follow this up at Fratton Park.

Vital Quotes: Steve Coppell

On the toughness of the Portsmouth match, “Yes they are good, they are strong, and they showed that last season. They’ve invested very heavily in the team.
“It will be a very difficult game for us, but it is an opportunity to put things right for us from last season where we got well beaten.”

Portsmouth Team News:

Kanu is doubtful, which is a plus for Reading but Benjani Mwaruwari and John Utaka are both expected to be fit, not such a plus especially Utaka.

Player to watch: John Utaka

His pace is electric, well it was against Bolton, but maybe they are just slow? So the fact that he has been passed fit is bad news for Reading, he will be a real danger.

Reading Team News:

Bobby Convey injured a leg in training, so is again facing time out just as it looked like he could be set to stake a claim. Glen Little, John Oster, Ibrahima Sonko and Peter Mate have been long-term injury problems, but Sonko in particular is inching closer to a return.

Player to watch: Marcus Hahnemann

The American has been in great form in the Reading goal this season and with the threat offered from John Utaka, and others, he will be tested again, but can he stand up to this challenge this is the question?

Match Facts & Stats

Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Reading have not won at Fratton Park since a 2-0 win at second league level on 27 September 1997.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Portsmouth 16 wins, Reading 7, Draws 13
Prem: Portsmouth 1 wins, Reading 0, Draws 1
At Portsmouth only: League (inc PL): Portsmouth 10 wins, Reading 2, Draws 6
Prem: Portsmouth 1 win, Reading 0, Draws 0

Ref Watch:

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

Match Prediction:

You always hope for a positive result even if you don’t think you will get it, so I will hope. We could get a draw but I would not be surprised to see Portsmouth win as they are very strong at home.

Next Fixture: Derby

@ The Madejski Stadium a week Sunday, 14.00.