Reading Vs Ipswich Match Preview

By Mark Sugar
January 10 2004

Reading welcome Ipswich to the Madejski Stadium in this promotion clash. The Royals will be looking for revenge after having 3 points stolen from them back in August. But the Royals have leading scorer Nicky Forster out with a stomach injury, so Reading will need to be at there very best.

Reading Vs Ipswich
Saturday 10th January

Team News
Nicky Forster has been ruled out with a stomach injury, which will also see him miss the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay against Preston North End. He is also doubtful for the trip to Paul Hart's Nottingham Forest on the 17th January.
Lloyd Owusu is likely to replace Bas Savage after Savage started against Preston. Owusu was ruled out after being cup tied, but has impressed the fans with his work rate.
Shaun Goater will partner Owusu. Goater was the Man of the Match for Royals fans last week and will be looking to continue the good form.
Dave Kitson played 45mins in the reserve team win over Rushden & Diamonds. Although he still lacks match fitness expect a place on the bench.
Andy Hughes is back after a hamstring strain sustainted against Walsall. He should come in to the team, with the most likely player going out will be James Harper.
Ivar Ingimarrson could be set for his 1st start in a midfield role at the expense of Ricky Newman. Newman has been in very good form recently and has done Reading proud with his tackling and passion for the team.
Jamie Young continues as substitue goalkeeper with Jamie Ashdown on a season loan to Rushden and Diamonds.
Nathan Tyson will be out with a knee injury sustained while on-loan at Wycombe. Tys played a part in the 4-1 victory, setting up 3 of the goals.

Ipswich have a number of injury worries as they look for there 1st win at the Madejski Stadium. Highly rated Darren Bent picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Derby.
Drissa Diallo won't be included in the squad despite playing in the reserves midweek.
Martijn Reuser and Ian Westlake will fight for the left midfield spot. Westlake missed the game with Derby with the flu.
Backup goalkeeper Lewis Price recently injured his finger so short term signing Nathan Abbey, will be on the bench.

KEY PLAYER FOR IPSWICH:Shefki Kuqi

Form Guide
Reading were held by Preston last Saturday in the FA Cup despite taking the lead 3 times. Reading were held last time in the league against Walsall.
Ipswich beat Derby 3-0 last Saturday in the FA Cup. Last time in the league, Crystal Palace beat them 3-1 at Portman Road

Previous Meetings
09/08/2003 Ipswich 1-1 Reading
18/03/2003 Ipswich 3-1 Reading
19/10/2002 Reading 3-1 Ipswich
28/03/1998 Ipswich 1-0 Reading
22/11/1997 Reading 0-4 Ipswich
22/03/1997 Reading 1-0 Ipswich
24/08/1996 Ipswich 5-2 Reading
06/04/1996 Ipswich 1-2 Reading
28/10/1995 Reading 1-4 Ipswich

Tickets & Travel
Tickets are available on the day and the normal car parks and bus service will be running.

Fixtures
Friday January 9th 2004
West Brom vs Walsall 19:45 (LIVE ON SKY)

Saturday January 10th 2004
Cardiff City vs Rotherham Utd 15:00
Coventry City vs Watford 15:00
Crewe vs Wimbledon 15:00
Crystal Palace vs Burnley 15:00
Norwich vs Bradford City 15:00
Reading vs Ipswich Town 15:00
Stoke City vs Derby County 15:00
Sunderland vs Nottm Forest 15:00
West Ham Utd vs Preston 15:00
Wigan Athletic vs Millwall 15:00
Gillingham vs Sheff Utd 17:35 (LIVE ON SKY)

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