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Villa vs Royals Preview

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Reading travel to Villa Park this weekend, still in search of that elusive away win.

After shipping six goals in their last league away game, the Royals will look to bounce back at Villa.

Vital Quotes:

Coppell on who will play at the back;

‘We have still not given up hope on Duberry but Alex Pearce has got to be very close (to his debut) now.

‘We have options but sooner or later we have got to make that call on ‘Pearcey’, and this may well be his time.

‘It is based on what I have seen of him in training. I watch them all every day in training and I like to see a certain mentality. He will have a long career.’

Martin O’Neill on Steve Coppell;

‘I have the utmost regard for Steve Coppell and I think he has done a magnificent job at Reading.

‘He’s a clever guy. He understates things but there’s plenty of meaning behind what he says’.


Villa Team News:

Villa have no fresh injury news ahead of the visit of Reading. John Carew will play after feeling no ill effects on a knee injury.

Player to watch: Ashley Young

Reading’s defence are by no means the quickest in the league, and Young’s pace will be a constant threat, particularly on the break.

Reading Team News:

Reading will be without Ibrahima Sonko, Emerse Fae and Andre Bikey as the trio have flown out to the African Nations.

Steve Coppell will be sweating on a late fitness test for Michael Duberry. If Duberry isn’t fit to play, either Bryn Gunnarsson or Kalifa Cisse could fill in at centre-back, alternatively we could see a debut for youngster Alex Pearce.

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Doyle has been linked with a move to Villa during this transfer window and he will be eager to show them what they are missing.

Bizarrely Doyle has yet to score with his foot this season and will be looking to change that at Villa Park.

Match Facts & Stats

Despite Reading yet to win away, they have scored in all but two games on their travels this season.

Reading will be boosted by the fact that Villa have already lost four home games this season.

Although Villa are yet to lose to a bottom half team this term.

Ref Watch:

Uriah Rennie (Sheffield, Yorkshire)

Expect some strange decisions then…

Match Prediction:

Reading are still looking for an away win, and you have to feel it will come soon.

However, Villa are a strong side and will be very difficult to break down and unfortunately I think they will prove to strong for the Royals.

My Prediction:
Villa 1-0 Reading

Next Fixtures:

Tottenham (h) 15/11/08

Man Utd (h) 19/11/08

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