Reading face the difficult trip to Swansea tonight, but even with injury problems Steve Coppell’s men should have enough to see off the League One side, but it will not be easy.
Coppell is looking to go far in the competition from the sounds of it, so he will definitely not want to fall at the first hurdle.
Vital Quotes:
Swansea manager Roberto Martinez “When you have got Premier League opposition, you are going to wear the best dress you can.
“I’m looking for something for the fans to remember and we are going to try and enjoy our football.”
Reading manager Steve Coppell “I feel there is a chance we could go all the way in this competition.
“There are always big upsets in the cup and we have already proved we can compete with the big clubs.”
Swansea Team News:
Painter has a foot problem, so he will miss out and a knee injury to Tate makes him a doubt too. Austin should keep his place at left back and Scotland will lead the attack.
Player to watch: Jason Scotland
Scotland has three in goals in four league and cup matches this season, so with him set to lead their attack again the Trinidadian international will need to be watched, along with Andy Robinson who has two in four.
Reading Team News:
Kitson and Lita are in line to start up front. Federici, Halls, Convey and Golbourne should feature and Duberry might return.
Sonko, Little, Murty, Ki-Hyeon, Oster and Shorey are still injured, with none likely to be risked.
Player to watch: Leroy Lita
Lita looked a class act during the summer with the England under 21 side, so after returning from injury on Saturday to make a late cameo appearance he will be hungry for the thing he craves most, goals.
Match Facts & Stats
On 23/08/05 the two teams met in the first round of this competition. Kitson had given Reading an early lead but a late Akinfenwa goal meant it went to extra time. Kitson scored again and Lita added a third to see Reading win a bad tempered match, which saw six yellow cards and one red, 3-1
Match Prediction:
Reading have a lot of injuries to contend with, but Coppell would have ringed the changes anyway. He may be down to the bare bones but Reading should have enough to win this match against the 10th placed League One club.
Next Fixture
West Ham @ the Madejski on Saturday, 15:00
Coppell wants to do well in the Carling Cup, so Reading should start well. The road to Wembley begins at a very nice Swansea ground.