The Big One

It’s time to stand up and be counted as the Royals try to bounce back from last Friday’s disappointing defeat at Kenilworth Road at the hands of Luton. Preston, like Reading, had put together a marvellous unbeaten run; the Lilywhites had gone 25 games without tasting defeat until they went to the Riverside at the weekend and lost 2-0 to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

But Preston wont be worrying too much about the FA Cup, their goal now is to secure a play off place, they currently occupy the last place and Cardiff are breathing down their necks. It’s going to be a tough game for both sides and it has got all the possibilities of being an absolute cracker.

Vital Quotes:

Steve Coppell:

‘From our point of view, it’s a crucial match. The next game after a defeat always is and we haven’t been in this position for a while.

‘We beat them 3-0 at their place earlier this season, but Preston are a battle-hardened Championship side and it won’t be that open this time around.

‘Preston are the team in full stride at the moment and we stand in their way.’

Reading Team News:

Steve Sidwell is fit again after recovering from an ankle problem that caused him to miss the Luton defeat.
Ibrahima Sonko has had a scan on the knee that has been playing up since the game at St Andrews against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

The bad news is that Glen Little will not make the game after suffering a groin injury, which also caused him to miss the game with Luton.

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Knocked a couple in against Luton and will be looking to do the same on Saturday.

Preston Team News:

A trio of players come back into the Preston side after being cup-tied for the game against Boro last week. Brett Ormerod, Simon Whaley and Brian Stock all make welcome returns for manager Billy Davies.

Another player who returns to the squad is Graham Alexander after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up at the start of February at Stoke.

Long term absentees are Andy Lonergan (knee), Adam Nowland (broken leg) and Andy Smith (knees).

Player to watch: Dave Nugent

Top scorer for Preston this season, last found the net in the 5-1 demolition of Luton. Just been recalled to the England U-21 squad so will be looking to celebrate with a goal.

Match Facts & Stats

When the two clubs met at Deepdale in August, Reading swept aside Preston and won the game 3-0. A brace from Leroy Lita and another from Glen Little gave the Royals maximum points.

Reading’s home record this season has seen them play 17 games, win 15, draw one and lose just one. 45 goals have been scored while just ten have been conceded giving the Royals home points total of 46 and a goals per game ratio of 2.05.

Preston’s away form has seen them play 16 games; they have won 7, drawn 7 and lost just two. They have scored 23 on their travels and conceded 12, giving them a points haul of 28 and a goal to game ratio of 1.75.

Ref Watch:

Keith Stroud.

Stroud has been in charge of 29 games this season, in that time he has dished out an amazing 109 yellow cards and six red.

Match Prediction:

Home win but narrow, maybe 2-1

Next Fixtures:

League Championship Burnley vs Reading 04-03-2006
League Championship Reading vs Watford 11-03-2006