Another defeat was suffered against Blackburn last week, and another four goals were shipped, so stopping the alarming rate of goals conceded is vitally important. The form at the Madejski Stadium will be so important this season, so as long as this remains good the horrendous away from might not cause as much trouble as it might have.
Vital Quotes: Steve Coppell
On not being afraid to tinker, “I’m still not adverse to tinkering.
“I don’t think people played well or adapted last week.
“But at the end of the game perhaps I’d not given us the best opportunity to win the match.
“I was disappointed with myself for that, so more than likely we will go 4-4-2 again.”
Reading Team News:
Graeme Murty has been ill, but he should be fit to keep his place, and Bobby Convey is back after injury. John Oster and Kalifa Cisse are out though, along with long-term victim Glen Little.
Player to watch: Kevin Doyle
He scored two goals from the bench last week in thirty minutes, so with a start a near certainty this week, with the goals starting to come now his partnership with Dave Kitson could be a key part of this game.
Newcastle Team News:
Mark Viduka is out for Newcastle but Alan Smith is back after suspension and Charles N’Zogbia, who had to come off in the last match, as he was feeling unwell, should join him.
Player to watch: Michael Owen
The England striker is always a danger, so keeping a watchful eye on him is important, if not then we could concede another hatful.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Reading are chasing successive victories over Newcastle, after winning the first ever league fixture with the Magpies on Reading soil in April. Dave Kitson stole the headlines in that match with only his second league goal of an injury-plagued season, burying a telling cross from Seol Ki-Hyeon.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Reading 1 win, Newcastle 1, Draws 0
Prem: Reading 1 win, Newcastle 1, Draws 0
At Reading only: League (inc PL): Reading 1 win, Newcastle 0, Draws 0
Prem: Reading 1 win, Newcastle 0, Draws 0
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)
Match Prediction:
Home wins are going to define if it will be a relegation struggle, which could be lost, or a third successive Premier League season for Reading. Newcastle are doing very well this season, but don’t always travel well, so it has to be a home win.
Next Fixture: Fulham
@ Craven Cottage on Saturday, 15.00.
Newcastle are really doing well this season but Reading need to win the majority of the home games this season, and this is a home game that is very winnable. It will be tight but I think we’ll do it 2-1.
I called 2-1 as well didn’t I.
Good shout! Do you think your left back will leave?
It depends on how we are doing, and how West Ham are doing. Personally I can’t see any point in leaving, as they can’t really offer him anything we can’t, apart from more money. If he wants to leave though it’s best he does.