TEAM NEWS

Reading played Glenn Little despite the winger having been a big doubt before Tuesday night's game, however he now looks set to miss out on the trip to Sunderland. Paul Brooker would seem a likely candidate to replace him after a good performance which surely aided the Royals towards their second half turnaround in mid-week. Steve Coppell also played Les Ferdinand on Tuesday night and when the big front man came off the bench he immediately made an impact with his pin-point flick on's and a blistering effort from distance which was well tipped away by the Lions' 'keeper. Ferdinand will be keen to start and there is a possibility of this happening this weekend.

The Royals ended the game with Brooker on the left and Forster on the right with Ferdinand and Kitson up front - with Little injured and Brooker looking good on Tuesday night Coppell will no doubt consider this a starting option. Ferdinand has also stated that contrary to the gossip he is still undecided about the time of his retirement - no doubt if he is unable to get a good run in the team this season he will want to continue and have another go. Forster, of course, could have been a Black Cat by now but is thankfully staying in Reading and the striker admitted he was pleased that the move fell through.

Should Forster, Ferdinand, Kitson and Brooker make the starting line-up Andy Hughes would probably drop to the bench, whilst in the centre of midfield James Harper will hope to continue having replaced Ricky Newman during the Millwall game - he would partner Steve Sidwell. With the back five likely to remain the same this would leave Martin Keown, Ricky Newman, Andy Hughes, Bobby Convey, Lloyd Owusu and Dean Morgan to competing for places on the bench.

Alternatively the manager could use the first half slip up by Sonko as an excuse to bring in Keown who could add steel to the back at a crucial stage in the season. With Sonko being a relatively new acquisition and also relatively inexperienced and having had a good run in the side since the departure of Adie Williams this might allow Keown to finally get into the side.

Coppell may decide to go with Hughes and Brooker on the wings - this would leave Forster, Ferdinand and Kitson to fight for a place. Morgan and Owusu are the other less likely options (although both scored twice for the reserves this week). Shaun Goater is on loan at Coventry but would not be in contention in any case.

The Black Cats have a few problems at present (and their League position isn't one of them). Mick McCarthy has a number of players out this weekend but will look to name an unchanged line up. Players out are Sean Thornton and Kevin Kyle and the list could extend to include Stephen Wright, Liam Lawrence, Chris Brown and Gary Breen.

Sunderland Key Player - Julio Arca

FORM GUIDE

Reading would seem to be going well from their position in the table and the fact that they have lost just once in their last eight games. However, the Royals are only two points ahead of West Ham and Sheffield United and on equal points with the Rams and they could slip out of the play-off zone tomorrow. In addition during the eight games mentioned only three were victories - although those three victories have come in the space of just the last five games.

Sunderland are at the top of the table, five points clear and looking to extend the gap. The Royals will have to get a result this weekend to ensure they remain in the hunt to join Sunderland in the top flight - where they look very likely to be next season.

In terms of form the Black Cats have won their last eight games on the trot and Mick McCarthy has stated he wants the team to beat his appalling run of eleven defeats with a run of victories.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Reading 1:0 Sunderland - 31/08/04
Reading 0:2 Sunderland - 20/03/04
Sunderland 2:0 Reading - 27/09/03
Sunderland 4:1 Reading - 17/02/98
Reading 4:1 Sunderland - 04/10/97
Reading 4:0 Sunderland - 16/12/95

OTHER INFORMATION

Ticket Information

Reading have sold just under half of their allocation. Reading supporters will be able to purchase tickets on the day from the Stadium of Light.

Please Click Here for the ticket prices regarding this game

Other Useful Information

Programme: £2.50

Ref Watch: Lee Mason

Sunderland Unofficial Sites:

www.readytogo.net, www.a-love-supreme.com 

Championship Fixtures

Brighton vs Leicester City
Cardiff vs Wigan
Derby vs Stoke City
Gillingham vs Burnley
Millwall vs Crewe
Notts Forest vs Plymouth
Rotherham vs Preston
Sheffield Utd vs QPR
Sunderland vs Reading
Watford vs Leeds
West Ham vs Coventry