Stoke City Vs Reading Match Preview


By Rob Tan
October 21 2004

After a two week break with International matches, Reading are back in action away at Stoke City. The Royals will be looking to regain top spot after dropping to third after a home draw against Burnley two weeks ago.

 
STOKE CITY
VS
READING

16TH OCTOBER 2004

15:00 PM KICK OFF

BRITANNIA STADIUM

TEAM NEWS

Glenn Little could make his full return on the right wing. Having featured in our last game against his former club Little is likely to start as Andy Hughes moves into central midfield in the absence of the suspended Steve Sidwell.

Nicky Forster's groin is still causing him problems, he could be out for a number of weeks. This has knocked the plans of Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore who was reportedly chasing Royals duo Shaun Goater and Lloyd Owusu for loan spells. Goater should come up from the bench to join Dave Kitson with Owusu on the bench.

Adie Williams is still a doubt, Ibrahima Sonko will continue if the captain is deemed unfit to face the Potters. In this case a place on the bench for Dean Morgan might be a possibility.

Tony Pulis has two players suspended for our visit to the Brittania - midfielder Clive Clarke and defender Gerry Taggart. Clint Hill is likely to start in defence, Karl Henry should start in midfield.

Michael Duberry, who has just joined the Potters on loan from Leeds United will be included in the squad but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Stoke City Key Player - Ade Akinbiyi

FORM GUIDE

The Royals are unbeaten in their last five games, a good result at Stoke would continue a recent improvement in away form.

Stoke have only been beaten once at home so far in the current campaign. A win against Reading could see them leap frog the Royals.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Reading 0:0 Stoke City - 13/03/04
Stoke City 3:0 Reading - 13/12/03
Stoke City 1:0 Reading - 04/05/03
Reading 1:1 Stoke City - 28/09/02
Reading 1:0 Stoke City - 23/02/02
Stoke City 2:0 Reading - 15/09/01

OTHER INFORMATION

This game is pay on the day at Stoke. No tickets in advance have been sold.

Once at the Britannia Stadium, Reading fans can pay on the turnstiles at the away end. Please note this is cash only!

Programme - £2.50

Click Here for the Stoke City Ground Guide

Please Click Here for the ticket information regarding this game

Make sure to make your predictions on the 1871Royals Prediction League