Reading vs Spurs

Tonight’s FA Cup third round replay between Reading and Spurs will be the third meeting between the two teams in three weeks.

With fourteen goals coming in the previous two meetings between the clubs, tonight should prove to be another high scoring game.

With a trip to Old Trafford awaiting the winners, both teams will be highly motivated and to add to that, England manager Fabio Capello will be in the stands, presumably to cast his eye over the Reading fringe players.

Vital Quotes:

Steve Coppell on his team selection;

‘I have mirrored the team that played at White Hart Lane, they worked hard to get this replay and they can take it on, I hope.’

Michael Dawson on tonight’s game;

‘We can’t go into Reading thinking about what happened at Chelsea, so we’ll move on – we know what a massive game this is and what the FA Cup means to everyone at Spurs.’

Reading Team News:

Reading face a defensive nightmare due to inujuries and international duty.

Youngster Alex Pearce could start as Michael Duberry is injured and Ibrahima Sonko and Andre Bikey are both at the African Nations Cup.

Midfielder Emerse Fae is also at the tournament in Ghana, while John Oster and Glen Little remain sidelined.

Player to watch: Leroy Lita

Lita has been very vocal about his lack of first team football recently.

Tonight is his chance to let his feet do the talking and show Steve Coppell he warrants a first team place.

Spurs Team News:

Juande Ramos’ main decision will be whether to stick with Radek Cerny, or recall England stopper Paul Robinson.

Jermaine Jenas is available after suspension.

Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov

Berbatov has scored six times against Reading already this season and he will be looking to add to that tally.

Match Facts & Stats

Reading have never won the FA Cup.

Spurs have been quarter-finalists in three of the last six seasons, including last year.

Match Prediction:

With Spurs likely to bring a full strength team to the Madejski Stadium and with Reading’s severely weakened backline, I think the game is Tottenham’s for the taking.

My Prediction;
Reading 1-3 Tottenham

Next Fixtures:

Man Utd (h) 19/01/08

Chelsea (a) 30/01/08