Reading
Vs
Sheffield United

Saturday 1st October 2005

Madejski Stadium, Reading

Kick Off 15:00pm

TEAM NEWS

Reading Manager Steve Coppell is likely to be forced into 1 change from Wednesday night's 0:0 draw at Southampton for tomorrow's top of the table clash against Neil Warnock's Sheffield United.

Captain Graeme Murty suffered an ankle knock and is rated very doubtful for the game and is likely to be replaced by Stephen Hunt. It will mean a slight change in formation with Chris Makin slotting in at right back while Hunt going to left back.

Another possible change is a debut for either Curtis Osano or Johnny Mullins at right back. At least 1 of the 2 will be involved in the squad of 16, with my money going on Mullins.

Murty will be joining the trio of Nicky Shorey, Steven Sidwell and Dave Kitson on the sidelines All 3 are still out injured, but should be back for the Ipswich Town game in 2 weeks time.

Goalkeeper Graham Stack isn't expected to be involved tomorrow after being cleared of a charge of rape and sexual assault. That will mean a place on the bench again for Adam Federici.

The only other change will be with Ivar Ingimarsson starting the match as captain in the absence of Murty and Sidwell.

Sheffield United only have the 1 injury concern going into tomorrow clash. Defender Craig Short underwent an Achilles operation this week and will miss tomorrow's trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Apart from that, Neil Warnock has everyone else available for selection and is likely to keep with the same starting 11 that beat Plymouth Argyle 2:0 on Tuesday night.  

Sheffield United Hotshot - Paul Ifill

FORM GUIDE

The Royals haven't lost since the 6th August when Plymouth were victorious by 2:1. Reading gained a valuable point against Southampton on Wednesday night, despite being 2nd best on the night.

The Blades are the team to beat with the men from Yorkshire accumulating an impressive 30 points from 11 games.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Reading 0:0 Sheffield United - 02/04/05

Sheffield United 0:1 Reading - 14/08/04

Reading 2:1 Sheffield United - 28/02/04

Sheffield United 1:2 Reading - 24/10/03

Sheffield United 1:3 Reading - 14/02/03

Reading 0:2 Sheffield United - 14/12/02

BETTING ODDS (courtesy of Coral Bookmakers)

Draw - 11/5

Sheffield United to Win - 7/4

TICKET INFORMATION