TEAM NEWS

* Tonight's game looks all set to go ahead after the Gresty Road pitch only received a light covering of snow last night. No pitch inspection will take place.

The Royals won't have Martin Keown back from injury. Having been unable to play for any substantial length of time for his new club Keown could have been introduced into the starting eleven to add a bit of steel to the side and strengthen the defence; he has yet to recover fully.

Coppell said he was bemused after Saturday's defeat and apologised to the fans - perhaps Coppell will attempt to shake things up in the team tomorrow night.

His options include Nicky Forster, Lloyd Owusu and Dean Morgan up front. Les Ferdinand opened his account for the Royals on Saturday but is now out with a groin problem and Dave Kitson will surely be tired after playing the entire game on his return from injury. One option that Coppell is unlikely to call on is Shaun Goater due to the payment that would have to be made if he plays for the Royals again.

Andy Hughes continues to provide energy on the wings and ran at Coventry's defence all game with mixed results. With players like Paul Brooker and Bobby Convey waiting for a chance to play perhaps Hughes could be moved to central midfield to allow one of them to have a chance. Hughes could also play at full back with captain Graeme Murty a doubt with a knee injury.

On the subject of central midfield neither Harper or Sidwell has looked at the top of their game - Ricky Newman performed well in Sidwell's absence against Ipswich and could have a chance after Saturday's defeat; he could also fill in at full back.

Alternatively Coppell might opt to stick with the same players as far as he can and hope that his faith in them spurs them to recapture the form they showed earlier in the season.

Crewe Alexandra have a couple of injury problems with Adie Moses and youngster Billy Jones both still recovering from injury. Mark Roberts is out. Steven Foster is a minor doubt as are Luke Varney and Andy White but al three look likely to play. Colin Murdock should cover at centre-back.

Clayton Ince is back in between the sticks, whilst full back Jon Otsemobor who played at the Madejski earlier in the season has returned to Liverpool allowing Chris McCready to take the right back berth. At left back Anthony McCready should play. Youngster Lee Bell has emerged as another possibility in midfield. Prolific striker Dean Ashton left for Norwich earlier in the season but Crewe are now higher in the league than they were the last time the sides met.

Crewe Key Player - Steve Jones

FORM GUIDE

Last time the sides met Reading were unbeaten in seven games, this time the Royals haven't won in eight.

Crewe have also had a poor run and now lie 14th but that's only nine points behind Reading who have slipped out of the play-off zone for the first time in months. The Railwaymen have gone seven games without a win.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Reading 4:0 Crewe - 23/10/04
Reading 1:1 Crewe - 17/04/04
Crewe 1:0 Reading - 01/11/03
Crewe 1:0 Reading - 28/02/98
Reading 3:3 Crewe - 11/10/97
Crewe 1:0 Reading - 01/02/91

OTHER INFORMATION

Reading have sold only 200 tickets of their 1,000 allocation. Reading supporters can purchase tickets on the day from Crewe.

Programmes: £2.50

Please Click Here for the ticket information regarding this game

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