Neil Warnock returns to the Madejski Stadium for the first time since he got a pasting from Reading coach Wally Downes.
Warnock, affectionately known as Colin due to a rather unfortunate anagram of his known, is not the most loved man in Berkshire and will get a rather frosty reception from Wally and the Reading faithful.
Warnock’s Palace haven’t started the season too brightly and have yet to win in the league.
The Royals have had a mixed start to the season with a win, a loss and a draw and will hope to kick start their promotion campaign at the expense of Warnock’s side.
Vital Quotes:
New Royals signing Chris Armstrong on Palace boss Warnock:
‘Some people love him, some people hate him but he was always good to me. I was with him at Bury then he took me to Sheffield and gave me five years there so I will always thank him for that.
‘Whatever the game is he’s up for it, that’s how he is and it will be no different on Saturday. He’s a character.’
Reading Team News:
Ibrahima Sonko has joined Stoke so he will be replaced by either Alex Pearce or Andre Bikey.
New signing Chris Armstrong could make his debut at left back and Jem Karacan could replace the injured Kalifa Cisse in midfield.
Noel Hunt will be hoping for his first league start for the Royals after an impressive display in midweek.
Player to watch: Noel Hunt
The summer signing looked very lively in the League Cup on Wednesday, scoring one, creating three. If he starts today he will cause Palace a lot of problems.
Crystal Palace Team News:
Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry and forward James Scowcroft return from one-match bans.
Julian Speroni returns in goal, while Sean Scannell and Neil Danns are injury doubts.
Palace midfielder Ben Watson could miss out as Warnock lets him rot in the reserves until he decides on his future.
Player to watch: Tom Soares
Whenever I’ve seen Soares he’s looke dlike a quality player and if he’s on top form today he could be a match winner for Palace.
Match Facts & Stats
Palace have yet to score this season, there only goals coming in the win over Hereford in the League Cup.
Ref Watch:
Clive Penton
Match Prediction:
I think we’re going to struggle away this season, but we should be ok at home.
My prediction: Reading 2-1 Palace
We should beat Palace, hopefully Noel Hunt will get a start though, he looked dangerous when he came on at Charlton and was quality against Luton.
I’d like to see Pearce and Karacan as well, will prob see Karacan with Bikey filling in for Sonko.
Whatever the squad it is an absolute disgrace that no more money has been supplied to buy decent signings! Chris Armstrong! Do me a favour he is the most injury prone footballer in the league! We should have brought experianced decent wingers and f off convey! Will Oster play today?
No Lita,is he off to Portsmouth ? We need to spend some money NOW ffs Madjeski !!!
Spend some money or we will be lucky if we make mid table mediocrity !!