Reading host Premier League side, Everton, in the third round of the capital one cup. With Reading in top form, you have to think there is a chance for a cup upset here.
However, it’ll certainly be a big test for The Royals, but one the players, fans and Steve Clarke will relish.
Predicted Line-ups
Reading 4-2-3-1- Al-Habsi; Gunter, Hector, McShane, Obita; Tshibola, Fernandez; Hurtado, Piazon, John; Blackman
Everton- 4-2-3-1- Robles; Browning, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway; Barry, Mccarthy; Naismith, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku
Reading Team News:
Reading will be without Orlando Sa as he serves the second game of his three game suspension. Strike partner, Matej Vydra, is also missing due to being cup tied. This gives a chance for Kanu, Cox or Piazon to start. New signings Hurtado, Fernandez and John will also be looking for the first starts in Reading shirts with Clarke expected to rotate. Al-Habsi will also be hoping to start like he did in the previous round of the competition.
Player to watch: Nick Blackman
Blackman is in incredible form and he’s scoring goals for fun. With Vydra and Sa out, he is expected to lead the line with either Kanu, Cox or Piazon and the Everton defence will have to watch the attacker closely, allowing no shots and getting tight to Blackman. It’s a big chance for Blackman to show what he’s made of against Premier League opposition.
Everton Team News:
Everton will be without Mirallas due to suspension after getting sent off in Saturdays 0-0 draw at Swansea. This allows Deulofeu a chance to start after his heroics against Barnsley in the previous round. The visitors are also likely not to risk Coleman and Besic who missed the game at Swansea due to injury. Martinez is again expected to play a strong line-up in their search for a good cup run.
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Paul McShane has been phenomenal since joining in the summer but will have by far his biggest test tonight as he faces Lukaku. Everyone knows the strengths this young lad brings to Everton with his pace, power and finishing ability. Reading and McShane will have to be at their best defensively to keep this one quiet.
Did You Know?
Everton lost at the Mad Stad here last season after an Adam Le Fondre double cancelled out a Steven Naismith opener. We hope for more of the same tonight.
Match Prediction:
With Clarke expected to make many changes, giving the new players a start, I am really excited to see this new look side. However, I just feel Everton will have too much quality for us to handle with the likes of Lukaku and Barkley in their ranks. 2-1 to Everton
Next Fixtures:
26th September- Burnley (A)
3rd October- Middlesbrough (H)
