With both sides yet to record a Premier League victory, they now turn their attention to the Capital One Cup. The Royals made it through to the third round after a 3-2 triumph over Peterborough, while QPR beat Walsall 3-0 at Loftus Road.
Reading manager Brian McDermott – ‘There wasn`t too much in the game on Saturday, but we didn`t do enough with the ball to win it. We have to be much more difficult to play against, much more on the front foot and more of a goal threat, just like we have been in the last two and half years or so. It`s basically about getting the identity of our team back.’
QPR assistant manager Mark Bowen – ‘The manager, wherever he`s been, has always treated cup competitions with the utmost respect by playing his strongest sides and I would imagine he will be looking to do that again, admittedly with one eye on our current injury list.’
QPR have some defensive injury problems, with Jose Bosingwa forced off early against Tottenham last week and Anton Ferdinand struggling with a hamstring problem. This means Keiran Dyer is likely to start in a defensive role. Striker Andy Johnson is a long-term absentee for Mark Hughes’ side.
The Spanish playmaker has made a good start at QPR and some fans have already spoken of what a superb signing he is. The ex-Real Madrid player has great vision and passing range.
Reading are likely to welcome back winger Jimmy Kebe for his first appearance of the season, following a hamstring problem suffered in pre-season. Brian McDermott is likely to make some changes to his side, but will be without Jason Roberts, who still hasn’t recovered from his calf problem.
The Malian winger is set to return for this game and many Royals fans have been awaiting his return for a while. Superb burst of pace & flair that we may have been missing in our Premier League campaign.
Reading: McCarthy, Cummings, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Kebe, Karacan, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Pogrebnyak, Hunt
All depends on what teams both managers want to out, but it looks as if Mark Hughes is going to name a strong line-up. We also never do well at QPR, especially midweek. 2-0 loss.
QPR – West Ham (H) – Mon 1st October – Premier League
Reading – Newcastle (H) – Sat 29th September – Premier League