By Aston
January 21 2005

Ipswich Town have the chance to move five points clear at the top of the championship table if they beat Reading at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow.

Preview: Reading Vs Town

Ipswich Town have the chance to move five points clear at the top of the championship table if they beat Reading at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow.

Town manager Joe Royle can welcome back midfielder Ian Westlake to the squad after he missed Saturdays 3-2 win over Coventry City, striker Shefki Kuqi has shaken of a ankle knock and Richard Naylor should make his 250th appearance after recovering from a minor hip problem and will travel tomorrow. Town skipper Jim Magilton is included in the travelling party but may have to miss the game with a hamstring problem.

Town manager Joe Royle does not expect Town lose at the Madejski tomorrow, saying: “While we will be showing Reading all due respect I certainly don't expect us to lose there.

“Reading are a very athletic team that are hard to beat on their home ground. They have a home record second only to us this season.

“Steve (Coppell) always organises teams well and Reading are a fast team.

“We saw them struggle against Swansea on Monday but they will be up for it against us.

Royle is glad that Steve Sidwell will miss the game tomorrow and added: “Reading will miss Sidwell and I'm glad he isn't playing as he is a top performer in this league.

“Steve will have other options though and it will be interesting to see what his plan is if he knows how to beat us.”

Reading boss Steve Coppell could be with out striker Les Ferdinand who is struggling with a hamstring injury, Dave Kitson is out until march while Steve Sidwell starts a 2 match ban.

Coppell is weary of Town’s strikers and midfield but is less worried about the back line, saying: “Ipswich are potent up front and creative in midfield and they have players with Premiership experience.

“They don't have the tightest back four in the world but the amount of goals they have scored is almost like them throwing down the gauntlet and saying 'come on then, try and out-score us'.

“People say in this league that anyone can beat any other team. Yet after 29 games Ipswich and Wigan have been beaten just five times.

“It's true at this stage of the season they are the two best teams in the division and to beat them is going to be a hard ask. It's all very well saying attack is the best form of defence.

“But I know Joe (Royle) is comfortable with whatever teams throw at his. If teams want to play football they will do that and they will mix it if need be.

“But I think we are comfortable with playing either way as well.”

Town are currently third in form guide having gained 12 points from the last six games while Reading are 14th having only picked up 8 points from the last six.

Other games of interest to Town fans tomorrow are second place Wigan entertaining Watford who are 15th in the league, 3rd place Sunderland play host to 5th place Sheffield United at the stadium of light.

Source: EADT

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