Kick Off: Saturday, 29th September 3.00pm (Watch Highlights On Match of the Day). Where: Madejski Stadium
Match Preview
Reading and Newcastle will have both pleased their managers mid-week with their efforts in their respective Capital One Cup games: Reading managed to defeat Queens Park Rangers 3-2 and Magpies manager Alan Pardew can be pleased with his team's efforts despite losing 2-1 to Manchester United. Newcastle are definitely seen as favourites going into the match and The Toon will hope that Senegalese front pair Ba and Cisse can link up well after each individually impressing in their last games and help the Magpies grab all three points. Reading on the other hand have only drawn one game and lost three so far this season, and currently sit bottom of the Premier League.
Team News
Newcastle will have to face their trip to Reading without the likes of captain Fabricio Coloccini, 'keeper Tim Krul, Fanny Simpson, Ryan Taylor and Yohan Cabaye who are all suffering injuries. Reading on the other hand are in a better situation having only Federici, Kebe and Roberts out. Roberts does have a serious chance to appear at some point but it will no doubt be touch and go until kick off. Tim Krul (Elbow) and Danny Simpson (Hamstring) are close to recovering from their injuries although they probably wont be given the nod today as Harper and Perch will fill in the gaps. Fabricio Coloccini is another player who will be missing out despite only returning from injury on Wednesday night to face Manchester United having failed a late fitness test.
Possible Line-ups
Reading: McCarthy; Gunter, Gorkss, Pearce, Shorey; Kébé, Leigertwood, Guthrie, McAnuff; Pogrebnyak, Le Fondre. Newcastle United: Harper; Perch, Williamson, S Taylor, Santon; Ben Arfa, Anita, Tiote, Gutierrez; Cissé, Ba.