TEAM NEWS

The Royals may make some changes for the trip down to the South Coast after the mid-week wake up call of a last gasp defeat at lowly Rotherham.

Up front Dave Kitson should continue but he may not be partnered by Dean Morgan as he was last week. A less keen Albion fan could be fooled into thinking when he picks up his matchday programme that the options for Steve Coppell are wide-ranging. However, the Royals' manager has said he won't rush Les Ferdinand back into action considering the injuries he has suffered so far with the Royals. Shaun Goater is no longer an option and Bas Savage looks to be on his way out of Reading FC.

This just leaves Lloyd Owusu and the subject of recent transfer speculation Royals' favourite Nicky Forster. Coppell doesn't seem keen to use Forster due to the current situation but now might decide to reverse his judgement over whether to use the side-lined front man.

Bobby Convey is unavailable which leaves few options on the flanks, though Paul Brooker could replace Glenn Little and Dean Morgan could also take a wing. In the centre of midfield James Harper could return, or Andy Hughes could move in from his more usual wide role. If so, Ricky Newman would be most likely to lose out with Steve Sidwell certain to start - unless the manager decides to go for a radical shake up of the team.

Coppell though will probably continue with Kitson, Hughes and Sidwell at least and has already stated that he will more than likely retain the same back five with Martin Keown on the bench. Triallist Hassan Kachloul has left the country.

Mark McGhee has striker Chris McPhee pushing for a place in the Brighton starting line-up after scoring a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek. If he is to return he could slot in for either Mark McCammon or Adam Virgo.The Seagulls have no new injury worries ahead of tomorrow's game at the Withdean and have Arsenal keeper Rami Shabaan signed up until the end of the season.

Brighton Key Player - Leon Knight

FORM GUIDE

The Royals have won just one match in the League this calendar year, and although it was a victory that all Reading fans will have greatly enjoyed this does not change the fact that since Christmas we have been on a slow and steady slide which has now left us just outside the play-off places.

However there is still some way left to go before the play-off places will be anywhere near decided and it will most likely go right to the wire with a number of teams pushing just below Reading who a few weeks ago might have felt that they would just be making up the numbers in the new-look Championship division. Just as Sunderland have climbed to the top of the division a good run could see Reading cement themselves into the play-off zone, but that run will surely have to start sooner than later and Royals assistant manager Kevin Dillon has already stated a five win target.

Brighton will hope for a win to keep them away from the relegation zone, a defeat tomorrow night could spell trouble as they are currently just three points above Coventry City who sit in 22nd position in the table. Their last two outings have been substantial defeats, last week at home to Wigan and previous to that away at Plymouth. Albion have shipped 9 goals in those two games.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Reading 3:2 Brighton - 07/08/04
Reading 1:2 Brighton - 04/04/03
Brighton 0:1 Reading - 30/11/02
Reading 0:0 Brighton - 09/03/02
Brighton 3:1 Reading - 11/02/02
Reading 2:0 Brighton - 30/04/94

OTHER INFORMATION

Ticket Information

Tickets for away supporters still remain for the fixture although tickets will not be available on the night. Please phone the Ticket Office for more information.

Please Click Here for the ticket prices regarding this game

Other Useful Information

Programme: £2.50

Ref Watch: Kevin Friend

Brighton Unofficial Sites:
www.northstandchat.com, www.albionalbum.co.uk 

Championship Fixtures

Brighton vs Reading