Royals take on the Hornets

On Sky

Reading take on Watford live in front of the Sky Sports camera’s tonight. It’s a return to the Madjeski for new Watford manager Brendan Rodgers who was once Employed as the Academy Director of Football by the Berkshire based club.

Vital Quotes:

Steve Coppell has huge admiration for Brendan Rogers and expects a tough test at home against a very solid Watford team.

Speaking on the Royals website He said ‘ They have made some good loan signings in Jack Cork and Gavin Hoyte and will be a very hard team to beat. They will make life difficult for us and will pose a good attacking threat at the other end. Everyone at the club speaks highly of Brendan and the work he achieved whilst at Reading, so it is no surprise that he is in the hot seat’

Reading Team News:

Steve Coppell will make changes to the starting 11 that lost to Cardiff in the FA Cup, with the likes of Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and Leroy Rosenior all coming back into the side. Noel Hunt is expected to start along side Doyle however after scoring at Southampton Shane Long may retain his place in the starting line up. Marcus Hahneman will be out for a few more weeks so Adam Federici will continue in goal, Graeme Murty has been loaned out to Charlton after starting his first game this season and so will not feature. Andre Bikey has an impending one match suspension but has a slight ankle problem so may miss out.

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle – With 16 goals already this season he is a good bet for first goal scorer and will work the Watford defenders for the full 90 mins.

Watford Team News:

Watford’s John-Joe O’Toole will play despite a one match suspension being enforced after this evening. Grzegorz Rasiak will hope to start after coming off the bench and scoring 2 last time out. Mart Poom is a long term absentee while Lee Williamson is set for a late fitness test.

Player to watch: Grzegorz Rasiak

Grzegorz Rasiak – Scoring 2 on his last outing the striker will be looking to add to his recent tally while posing a massive threat in the air.

Match Facts & Stats

Last season n/a

(It’s normally a draw)

Match Prediction:

I predict a cold and frustrating night at the Madjeski but think the Royals will nick it late on 1-0 (Doyle)

Next Fixtures:

Swansea (A)