Reading Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match Preview
By Matthew Grant
May 1 2005
Reading take on Wolves this weekend at the Madejski Stadium hoping to move back into the Play-Off places after a disappointing result in Wales last weekend.
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TEAM NEWS |
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So as the season draws to a close Reading take on mid table Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium in the last home game of the season. With West Ham United playing Friday night against already promoted Sunderland, Royals supporters will be hoping The Hammers slip up and hope Reading take all three points on Saturday to put them in poll position for that final Play-Off place heading into the final game of the season. Steve Coppell has injury concerns over a number of first team regulars although none are thought to be serious. Left back Nicky Shorey is struggling with a knee problem but manager Steve Coppell is confident the player will be fit. James Harper is also expected to be available following an infected toe and Ibrahima Sonko's bruised foot is not causing any problems with the defender managing to put in a full weeks training. Steve Coppell has a number of decisions about his team selection following Reading's hideous performance at Cardiff City last Saturday. Ivar Ingimarsson may be bought back into the squad to tighten up the backline while Glen Little is pushing for a starting place with James Harper being ineffective on the right wing in the past three games. Coppell may well decide to push Harper inside to accommodate Little on the right wing, it would mean Ricky Newman dropping to the bench. Upfront it could be Les Ferdinand's last ever home game with Sir Les still undecided regarding his retirement decision. A number of his family will be present at the game, cousins Anton and Rio Ferdinand may well make an appearance at the game with West Ham playing on Friday night and Manchester United not playing till Sunday. With a lack of goals from Nicky Forster, Ferdinand will be hoping he is chosen to partner Dave Kitson upfront. Glen Hoddle's Wolves side have injury worries over Paul Ince, Lee Naylor and striker Carl Cort. Ince missed his side's 2:0 win over Rotherham United last Saturday while Naylor limped out of the game through injury. According to reports Cort is almost certain to miss the game with a thigh injury. Winger Mark Kennedy is defiantly out of Saturdays game after undergoing exploratory surgery on his ankle. Kennedy will play no part in Wolves remaining two games of this season. Wolves Key Player - Joleon Lescott |
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FORM GUIDE |
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After winning three straight league games Reading crashed back down to earth with a very poor performance at relegation battlers Cardiff City last Saturday. It means West Ham moved back above Reading on goals scored after The Hammers could only earn a draw at Brighton with Dean Hammond scoring a last minute goal for the hosts. Reading are currently on 70 points from 44 games played with a goal difference of +10. It has been a frustrating season for Wolves with Dave Jones paying the price for poor results and being sacked to be replaced with former England manager Glenn Hoddle. Although Wolves have only lost one league game since the turn of the year they have drawn a staggering 20 times this season to be left in mid table mediocrity. Wolves lie in 11th position in the league on 60 points. |
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PREVIOUS MEETINGS |
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Wolves 4:1 Reading - 04/12/04 |
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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Ticket Information A crowd of around 20,000 is expected for Saturday's encounter. The latest update from Wolves is that they have sold 1911 tickets and are expected to sell out the rest of their allocation taking the total number of visiting supporters to 2102. No tickets will be available on the day from the Madejski Stadium to visiting supporters. Please Click Here for the ticket prices regarding this game Other Useful Information Programme: £2.50 Ref Watch: Rob Styles Wolves Unofficial Sites: www.wolvesfc.co.uk, www.the-wolf.co.uk Don't forget the game has been designated 'Beach Day' by the club and Reading supporters. Make sure to come dressed for the occasion and bring along your beach balls and inflatables! Championship Fixtures Burnley vs Plymouth
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