Preston North End Vs Reading Match Preview


By Rob Tan
August 12 2005

Reading take on Preston North End away on Saturday looking to build on their first victory of the season away to Brighton on Tuesday evening.

MADEJSKI STADIUM

MATCH PREVIEW

Preston
vs
Reading

Saturday 13th August 2005, 3pm Kick-Off

Deepdale, Preston

 

 

TEAM NEWS

Reading have a few options going in to the game this weekend. Leroy Lita was unfortunate not to score in our midweek victory at Brighton and impressed once again. He will probably play with scorer Dave Kitson with Kevin Doyle having to settle for a place on the bench despite also making a good start to his Royals career.

Brnyjar Gunnarsson is still out so James Harper and Steve Sidwell should remain at the heart of the Royals' midfield. On the wings Bobby Convey could lose out to the very impressive and hard-working Stephen Hunt though Glenn Little should retain his place on the right having scored on Tuesday night. John Oster should be
on the bench.

The back five should remain the same with no injury worries. There is, of course, still no competition for places at left back or central defence though the club maintains that as soon as the Premiership starts at least one defender should be on the way. Chris Makin will have to wait for his chance to get in the team with captain Graeme Murty currently holding the right back position.

Keeper Graeme Stack, Kevin Doyle, John Oster and Chris Makin should make up the substitutes along with either Hunt or Convey depending on which of the two wingers Coppell decides to go with - both looking strong at this early stage of the season. Convey has a minor ankle injury and this may have some bearing. Youngster Curtis
Osano is expected to travel with the squad.

Preston have some problems ahead of the game on Saturday with Richard Cresswell's future at the club currently in the air due to a substantial bid of £1 million from Championship rivals Sheffield United. Preston will feel they have just as much chance of making the play-offs as the Blades and won't want to let their striker go. However, Cresswell is expected to start with David Nugent. Danny Dichio should be on the bench.

Preston have also lost Eddie Lewis to Leeds and have some injury worries with Andy Lonergan and Matt Hill definitely out with injury.

Tottenham Hotshot - Richard Cresswell
 

FORM GUIDE
Reading lost on the opening day in an embarrassing home defeat to Plymouth Argyle but bounced back to beat Mark McGhee's men at the Withdean on Tuesday night. Steve Coppell has made it clear he wants to make this the start of a good run an intends to play for all three points against Preston.

Preston have come back from behind to win against Watford and then drawn so will be hoping to remain undefeated on Saturday as they aim to make the play-offs with a solid start to the season.
 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Preston 3:0  Reading - 28/12/04
Reading 3:1  Preston - 14/09/04
Preston 2:1  Reading - 02/03/04
Reading 1:2  Preston - 13/01/04
Preston 3:3  Reading - 03/01/04
 

BETTING ODDS
Preston to win - 8/11
Draw - 11/5
Reading to win - 10/3

(Courtesy of Coral Bookmakers)
 

TICKET INFORMATION
Reading supporters will be able to purchase tickets on the day of the game, for all the ticket details regarding this fixture Click Here.