Royals v Liverpool. Match Preview

Last updated : 06 April 2007 By Angus Muller

Rafa Benitez is likely to pick a strong team for a first visit to The Madejski Stadium after the convincing success over PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

But the Reds manager will be pressed into at least one change as Fabio Aurelio is out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.

Mark Gonzalez is likely to take his place on the left, while Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt will hope to continue their partnership in attack.

Crouch scored a hat-trick against Arsenal a week ago, while Kuyt grabbed both goals in the 2-0 win over Reading at Anfield back in November.

Reading remain in the top 10 in the Premiership and, despite Steve Coppell's reluctance to go for Europe, are not out of the Uefa Cup picture.

Coppell is likely to select his strongest available team for the Liverpool game before freshening things up for the tussle with Charlton Athletic on Monday.

Glen Little is unlikely to play again this season due to an Achilles injury, with John Oster getting the nod ahead of Seol Ki-hyeon on Saturday.

Reading skipper Graeme Murty is doubtful due to a calf complaint, so Greg Halford should continue at right-back.

Marcus Hahnemann came off at half-time in last week's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham, but has shaken off a hip complaint to start.

Ibrahima Sonko and Bobby Convey are long-term absentees, while Kevin Doyle will be looking to reclaim his starting spot.

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