Reading VS Liverpool

It`s typical isn`t it? You don`t play a team for 135 years and then 2 fixtures come around at once. Liverpool entertain Reading in Wednesday nights Carling Cup fixture, and then will have the Royals back for seconds just 10days afterwards.

Liverpool Team News:

Liverpool will be without the services of Fabio Aurelio due to a groin injury and Craig Bellamy is sidelined by problems with his ankle, Mark Gonzalez will also miss out due to injury. Second keeper Jerzey Dudek, typically given a run-out in the cup, is also unavailable for the Reds after his sending off against Everton reserves.

Rafael Benitez has rested Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia; but he ruled out the possibility using a completely inexperienced team;

“We have a lot of player who need games, so maybe it will be a combination of senior professionals and younger players.

“It`s difficult sometimes when we play young players because when we win with them then no one will say anything, but when we lost at Crystal Palace last year then people question why are we using young players.”

Robbie Fowler returns to the Anfield fold after missing most of the season so far with a back injury, meanwhile Danny Agger and Stephen Warnock are likely to start. Debuts could be handed to summer signing Gabriel Paletta and youngster Lee Peltier.

Player to watch: Peltier and Paletta

Debutants, Gabriel Paletta and Lee Peltier will be looking to make their mark, impressive performance from the two could see them feature in more of Liverpool’s season.

Reading Team News:

Meanwhile in the Reading camp, Steve Coppell will make changes from the team that lost to Arsenal on Sunday.


Reading remain without captain, Graeme Murty because of the strain on his hamstring and Bobby Convey is also unavailable. Dave Kitson, Peter Mate and Aaron Brown will also all miss out due to their respective long term injuries. Simon Cox is another missing out to injury although the player is also cup-tied after his brief spell with Brentford.

Key players like Kevin Doyle, Ibrahima Sonko and Ivar Ingimarsson will make the trip, but it is unclear whether they will start, as Coppell will more then likely start fringe players and those pushing for places in the squad.
Among these Graham Stack will almost definitely start in goal, while Andre Bikey`s return from suspension should see him start. Gunnarsson is likely to captain the side with Sam Sodje returning from injury to join him and Bikey in defence.

John Oster, Glen Little and Stephen Hunt are probable in the midfield`s line up while Shane Long may be partnered by Leroy Lita up front.

Youngsters, Alex Pearce, James Henry, Curtis Osano, Pierre Joseph-Dubois and Jonathan Hayes are all included in the squad and its possible that all will play a role in the game.

Player to watch: Little and Oster

Glenn Little and John Oster are both pushing for more field time this season, the wing men will make themselves hard to drop if they can excel in Merseyside.

Match Facts & Stats

Reading have an unbeaten record against Liverpool in all competitions, mind you, its the same the other way around! The two teams have never met in competitive football.

Match Prediction:

Liverpool to snatch a victory in what should be gripping first encounter for the two teams.