Royals V Owls - The Match Preview

Last updated : 13 August 2002 By Rob Cooper
Gerald Sibon
Highly-rated striker Gerald Sibon (centre)
The big kick off may have been last Saturday but the first game of the season for the Madejski Stadium is tonight.

It may have been built four years ago but the 'Mad Stad' has never hosted a Division One home game because the club have languished in Division Two ever since it was built.

Sheffield Wednesday, a team who were in the Premiership not long ago, are Reading's opponents tonight. Over 15,000 people are expected for the game.

One change from Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Derby is expected. Alan Pardew is unable to recall Nicky Forster to the starting line-up - the striker is still out with a viral infection.

The Royals are expected to revert to a 4-4-2 formation having played a 4-5-1 line-up for much of the game at Derby. Jamie Cureton is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up to play alongside number nine Martin Butler.

Cureton will come in in place of either Andy Hughes or James Harper. Kevin Watson suffered a knock to his ankle at Pride Park on Saturday but he should be fit to play which means there is unlikely to be a recall for club skipper Phil Parkinson. John Mackie will retain the captain's armband.

The Owls meanwhile will be without summer signings Leon Knight and Lloyd Owusu. Knight is serving a three game ben whilst former Brentford striker Owusu has a knee injury.

Highly-rated striker Gerald Sibon is expected to line-up alongside Shefki Kuqi up front.

Full-back Ian Hendon will miss the game for Wednesday, he has an ankle injury. Paul McLaren returns from a three match ban.

Expected Reading Line-Up: Whitehead, Shorey, Mackie (c), Williams, Murty, Salako, Watson, Hughes, Igoe, Butler, Cureton

Reading MAD Predict: Two goals for Jamie Cureton and one for Hughes as the Royals win 3-1.