The Royals welcome Premier League West Brom to the Mad Stad on Saturday in a repeat of last season’s 5th round tie.
On that occasion we shared a 2-2 draw at home before winning the replay 3-2 AET with a Gylfi Sigurdsson amoung the goals. We won’t have him tomorrow but we can still be positive of getting a decent result, and a cup upset.
A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Brian McDermott –
‘The romance of the cup wasn`t lost on me last year and it won`t be this year. There were definitely magic and romance when we beat Liverpool at Anfield.’
Matt Mills –
‘In the FA Cup if you can get a Premier League side and beat them then it`s a massive scalp. West Brom are playing in the best league in the world and it`s where we want to play.’
Reading Team News:
The Royals could rest a couple of players with Shane Long, Andy Griffin and Ian Harte likely to be given the weekend off.
Simon Church is likely to lead the line with Shaun Cummings and Marcus Williams in contention to fill the full back positions, with Chris Armstrong still struggling with the injury that kept him out of the Burnley game.
Player to watch: Simon Church
Performs well from the bench but rarely shines when given a starting role. Must step up when he is given a chance to replace Shane Long.
West Brom Team News:
The Baggies are hoping the Marek Cech is fit after a shin injury, but Stephen Reid and Peter Odemwingie are doubtful.
Nicky Shorey and Simon Cox could both start on their return to the Madejski Stadium.
Player to watch: Nicky Shorey
The left back makes his first return to the Madejski Stadium since his departure in 2008. Will go down in history as one of the best players to play for the club after getting capped twice by England whilst still at the Mad Stad. Is sure to get a good reception.
Last Meeting
24th February 2010, West Brom 2-3 Reading (AET)
Match Prediction:
Both sides will be looking to avoid a replay and so it should be an open game. However I think it will be a draw, 1-1!
Next Fixture:
Saturday 15th January 2011, Doncaster (A)
