Preview: Ipswich vs Reading
By Simon (IpswichFanGoneNuts)
March 14 2009
The Royals host Ipswich Town this Saturday at 3pm, and we have a match preview as Reading prepare to host Jim Magilton's men in the Championship.
Team news - Reading
Steve Coppell has confirmed that he will make changes to his team - and there are plenty of players itching to come in.
Jay Tabb looks to have a good chance of making his first start in a Reading shirt after coming off the bench to set up Shane Long's second goal on Tuesday night.
Brynjar Gunnarsson is back in training and could be available, while Kalifa Cisse is being troubled by a foot problem that is currently being monitored.
Jimmy Kebe missed the Charlton game and faces a late check. Glen Little could continue on the right if Kebe does not make it, but Coppell has many options available.
Ivar Ingimarsson is out for the season, and Graeme Murty is currently sidelined as well. We currently have Dan Harding on loan from Town for the rest of the season, but he has not yet broken into the first team squad, also Dave Kitson has been signed on loan from Stoke and will probably be (If he is started) Reading's main threat.
Team news - Ipswich:
The visitors are forced into making at least one change, with winger Jon Walters out for the season following an injury picked up in the midweek 0-0 draw at Wolves.
David Wright and David Norris both played in the game at Molineux but are now rated doubtful after picking up knocks.
Pablo Counago came on for Walters in midweek, but he is not certain to start if Jim Magilton decides to stay 4-5-1 and leave Kevin Lisbie up front on his own. Fellow striker Jon Stead was also on the bench.
On-loan Fulham right back Moritz Volz remains sidelined, while young Tommy Smith is also out.
However hopefully Ipswich's new signing will be able to join up with the Town squad.
Positions - Reading
Reading will be third no matter what happens with results this weekend. We are four points behind third-placed Birmingham and four ahead of fourth-placed Sheff Utd. Our goal difference is +30, still by some distance the best in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Positions - Ipswich
The visitors are currently tenth in the division, seven points off the play-offs. They cannot move any higher up the table this weekend because they are six points off Preston in ninth, albeit with a game in hand.
Home form - Reading
Reading's recent home form has been a stark contrast to the early part of the season. They have failed to win in our last four home games, having won 12 of our previous 15 at Madejski Stadium. And they also no longer have the best home defensive record in the league; Doncaster and Cardiff ahead of us.
Away form - Ipswich
Jim Magilton's side have a very good away record, and have won more games on their travels than at home this season. They have picked up seven wins on the road, and only Wolves have won more away matches.
Ticket news
A touch more than 20,000 have already been sold. Tickets are on general sale now to all Member Card holders. Telephone 0844 249 1871, use the online ticketing service or visit in person. Buy in advance to save £4 per ticket.
Match officials
M Oliver takes charge of this game, assisted by W Linden and G Wallace.
Manager's thoughts - Reading
Steve Coppell: "Jim has a style about him, that's expressed in how his team go and play. They've had some good results, they could have won at Wolves in midweek. The season is there for someone to grab it. More teams are getting in the mix because nobody is pulling away."
Manager's thoughts - Ipswich
Jim Magilton: "Reading at home was as well as we've played. Reading have a lot of good players, we're aware of the task ahead and we need to show resilience again."
Source: Readingfc.co.uk (with a few edits)
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After a good second half display at Wolves on Tuesday we can go to Reading with a bit of confidence. Here how I'd start the game. (fitness tests and paperwork completed)
.......................Wright.............................
Wright.........Balkestien...Campo..............Thatcher...
.....Norris..............Miller................Civelli.....
.................Counago..........Dos Santos..............
..........................Stead...........................
