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nearly two weeks without a competitive match for the Royals.
Reading V Brighton - Match Preview
nearly two weeks without a competitive match for the Royals.
It is sure to be a fiesty encounter due to the ding-dong battle for promotion between us and the Seagulls last season.
Brighton boss Steve Coppell, formerly in charge of Brentford, will seek to get one over as our last gasp goal last season ensured we beat the Bees to the second automatic promotion spot and joined the Seagulls in Division One.
Brighton have played one match in the last fortnight. a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. The Withdean Stadium side have still gone ten days without a match, mainly due to the Euro 2004 qualifiers that were played over the last weekend.
The rest spell has given Reading a much needed break, and one that has allowed the likes of Adie Williams to recuperate after injury. Williams will return to partner Steve Brown in the centre of defence following his knee ligament injury sustained against Ipswich.
Alan Pardew has no other major injury worries, and has been bolstered by the
arrival of Glen Little from Brunley on loan until the end of the season.
Little's entrance into the battle for promotion should spice up the battle
for midfield places. Only James Harper and Andy Hughes can be guarnteed of a starting berth. Luke Chadwick should also play, having re-signed on-loan from Man Utd.
arrival of Glen Little from Brunley on loan until the end of the season.
Little's entrance into the battle for promotion should spice up the battle
for midfield places. Only James Harper and Andy Hughes can be guarnteed of a starting berth. Luke Chadwick should also play, having re-signed on-loan from Man Utd.
This leaves John Salako, Nathan Tyson, Steve Sidwell, Kevin Watson, new-boy Little, and Anthony Rougier all fighting for the thwo midfield places.
Little's versatility - he can play either wide on the right or left - should intensify the battle and make Pardew's decision all the more tough. However, he is expected to start on the bench.
Little's versatility - he can play either wide on the right or left - should intensify the battle and make Pardew's decision all the more tough. However, he is expected to start on the bench.
Rougier will also be knocking hard on the gaffer's door after a successful
spell with Brighton which yielded three goals. The rejuvenated Trinidad international may also be able to provide a valuable insight into how Brighton play, though Pards is likely to have a good idea of how Steve Coppell, his former manager, will play.
spell with Brighton which yielded three goals. The rejuvenated Trinidad international may also be able to provide a valuable insight into how Brighton play, though Pards is likely to have a good idea of how Steve Coppell, his former manager, will play.
Brighton's recent good run has hit a rocky patch recently, as has Reading's, so it will be interesting to see whether the lure of Premiership football or the fear of relegation proves the greater motivator.