Steve Coppell will be looking for an early Christmas present with a win over potential relegation rivals Sunderland.
Reading are currently four places and four points above the Mackems and a win would be a great boost going into the busy Christmas period.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Coppell told Reading’s official website;
‘We want to put one over on a team who are in the same part of the league as us.
‘Last time we sort of had a cloud over our head after a two-week international break which I think was unsettling. So no excuses, let’s just get on with it.’
Reading Team News:
Glen Little and John Oster are still sidelined for the Royals.
Brynjar Gunnarsson will miss out with a knee injury he picked up at Birmingham, pathing the way for summer signing Kalifa Cisse to make an impact.
Player to watch: Kevin Doyle
Doyle missed the game at The Stadium of Light earlier in the season, and will be eager to show Sunderland what he can do as he looks to add to his five Premier League goals this season.
Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland are again without suspended Liam Miller.
Nyron Nosworthy, Kieran Richardson and Russell Anderson are close to returning but are unlikely to feature.
Player to watch: Kenwyne Jones
Jones has been impressive for Sunderland since his move from Southampton.
His ariel threat will be a good test for Ibrahima Sonko.
Match Facts & Stats
This is the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs.
If Sunderland win, they will be the first team from the north-east to win a Premier League match at the Madejski Stadium.
Match Prediction:
Sunderland are still looking for an away win this season. Reading on the other hand have looked pretty solid at home, apart from the freak 0-3 defeat against West Ham.
Although this will probably be a boring 0-0 draw, as it’s Christmas I’m going to back Reading for a convincing 3-0 win.
Next Fixtures:
West Ham (A) 26/12/07
Spurs (A) 28/12/07
