On Sky
Steve Coppell takes his side to his old stamping ground looking for more points that will take Reading?s fine run on and the Royals another step nearer to the Premiership.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Coppell
‘We’ll see how Leroy feels. (Lita)
‘We might have pushed him too much in the past. He’s spent a lot of time under treatment, there’s a lot of pent-up emotion and he wanted to justify himself on the pitch against Albion.’
Iain Dowie
‘I’m always the optimist and although I believe Steve Coppell and Neil Warnock have done fantastic jobs, I still believe that automatic promotion can be achieved.
‘We’ve got to go on a hell of a run and win as many games as we can but I’m not one for watching how others are doing, It’s about what we do.’
Crystal Palace Team News:
Tom Soares and Fitz Hall should both return to the starting line up for Palace. Soares has just overcome a hamstring injury and Hall missed the last two games because of suspension.
There will be late fitness tests for centre-back Tony Popovic (hamstring) and midfielder Mikele Leigertwood (thigh).
Dowie is still without winger Marco Reich (foot) and defenders Danny Butterfield (pelvis) and Danny Granville (knee).
Player to watch: Andy Johnson
Ten goals so far this season, will be looking for more to get his total up. Back in he goals with three from the last four games.
Reading Team News:
The big question is will Steve Coppell give Leroy Lita a start after his game winning hat-trick against West Brom in the week? Chances are he will return to the bench and bring back in fresh legs to start the game at Selhurst Park.
Also making their return after being rested are Marcus Hahnemann, Nicky Shorey, Ibrahima Sonko, Glen Little, Bobby Convey, Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle.
One payer who will definitely not feature is new signing from Stoke, John Halls, he is recovering from a hamstring injury and is not yet ready.
Player to watch: Marcus Hahnemann
Palace are dangerous up front and no doubt the keeper will be tested one or two times, he will need to be at his best.
Match Facts & Stats
Palace are on six match winning streak, the Royals have not lost in he league since the opening day of he season so this game will be very tight.
The last time the two sides met the game ended in a 3-2 victory for Reading. Iain Dowie was sent off and Simon Jordan was fined by the FA for improper conduct so all in all, it wasn?t a good day for Palace.
Past Meetings
|
Competition
|
Palace Wins
|
Draws
|
Reading Wins
|
| League |
21 |
17 |
27 |
| FA Cup |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| League Cup |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total |
24 |
20 |
27 |
Ref Watch:
Trevor Kettle
The last time Kettle took charge of a Reading game was in September when Reading beat Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road. Chris Malkin and Graeme Murty both received yellow cards that day.
Since he became a league referee for the 2003/04 season, Kettle has not taken charge of a Palace game.
So far this season Kettle has taken charge of 25 games and has shown an amazing 116 yellow cards and eight red.
Match Prediction:
2-2 draw
Next Fixtures:
FA Cup: Reading vs Birmingham 28-01-2006
Championship: Reading vs Norwich 31-01-2006
‘We’ll see how Leroy feels. (Lita)
‘We might have pushed him too much in the past. He’s spent a lot of time under treatment, there’s a lot of pent-up emotion and he wanted to justify himself on the pitch against Albion.’
It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be beaten – confidence is such that we feel invincible at the moment.
‘Every time we attack we look like we can score. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and take it into the West Brom game.’
It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be beaten – confidence is such that we feel invincible at the moment.
‘Every time we attack we look like we can score. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and take it into the West Brom game.’
The last time Kettle took charge of a Reading game was in September when Reading beat Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road. Chris Malkin and Graeme Murty both received yellow cards that day.
Since he became a league referee for the 2003/04 season, Kettle has not taken charge of a Palace game.
So far this season Kettle has taken charge of 25 games and has shown an amazing 116 yellow cards and eight red.
“”Adding: ‘But I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Reading and got on well with the fans, so I hope that is shown on Sunday. I hope to get a nice reception, I gave my all for Reading and I hope there is a mutual appreciation from the supporters – there certainly is from my side.’ “” DP