It’s a case of no room left at the Mad Stad this weekend as the Royals take on Watford.
Watford come to Reading with a big following urging them on to the three points that could help them catch Sheffield United in second place in the league, Reading need all three points to take them past the magical 91 total that has seen sides promoted to the Premiership since it started.
Vital Quotes:
Nicky Hammond ? Director Of Football:
‘We are in a strong position but we can’t afford to take anything for granted.
‘There are nine cup finals between now and the end of the season – as there is for everyone – and anything can still happen.’
Reading Team News:
Steve Sidwell is the man rated doubtful for this game, he has a thigh and ankle injury that have been causing him problems for a couple of weeks.
Two players who will definitely be missing are Leroy Lita who is of course out for the rest of the season and Glen Little who will be missing for a fortnight at the very least after aggravating a groin problem at Burnley.
Simon Cox and Shane Long both staked their claim for a place on the bench after scoring in the reserves in midweek; Steve Coppell just has to decide who gets the nod.
Player to watch: Dave Kitson
Squad Number: 12
Position: Forward
Place of Birth: Hitchin, England
Date Of Birth: 21/ 01/ 1980
Height: 6’3
Weight: 13st 0lbs
This Season
Appearances: 24(7)
Goals: 19
Yellow Cards: 7
Red Cards: 0
Minutes on Pitch: 2104
Watford Team News:
Darius Henderson returns for the visitors after sitting out the last three games banned.
Dominic Blizzard is showing signs of recovery from a virus, but he won’t be fit in time for this one.
More Later
Player to watch: Marlon King
Squad Number: 9
Position: Forward
Place of Birth: Dulwich, England
Date Of Birth: 26/ 04/ 1980
Height: 6’1
Weight: 12st 3lbs
This Season
Appearances: 35(0)
Goals: 18
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Minutes on Pitch: 3020
Match Facts & Stats
Last time the two clubs met was at Vicarage Road in August and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Reading’s home record this season has seen them play 18 games, win 16, draw one and lose one. 47 goals have been scored while 11 have been conceded giving the Royals a home points total of 49.
Watford’s away form has seen them play 18 games; they have won 9, drawn 6 and lost 3. They have scored 31 on their travels and conceded 23, giving them a points haul of 33.
Ref Watch:
Steve Tanner.
Match Prediction:
We have to keep the faith, 2-1 win.
Next Fixtures:
League Championship Reading vs Wolves 18-03-2006
League Championship Leicester vs Reading 25-03-2006
