Reading Vs Watford Match Preview
By Mark Sugar
December 25 2004
He cancelled Christmas for the players this year,and now Royals boss Steve Coppell will be looking to his team to show the supporters it was worthwhile as they look to do the double over Ray Lewington's Watford at the Madejski Stadium in the 11:00am kick off live on Sky Sports tomorrow.
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COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP |
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TEAM NEWS |
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Royals skipper Graeme Murty should be fit again after missing the last 2 games through an ankle injury sustained in the 4-1 defeat at Wolves back on the 4th December. If Murty does return, it means he will return to his right back slot and then Andy Hughes will move into his familiar position of left wing with Paul Brooker being the player to make way. Leading goal scorer Dave Kitson will definitely miss the early morning clash after picking up ligament damage in last Saturday's 1-0 win over QPR. He is likely to be out for 6-8 weeks. Nicky Forster will therefore be the player who gets the nod to replace Kitson. The former Birmingham City front man made his 1st appearance in a while last Saturday as a 2nd half substitute. Watford go into the match with 2 new signing's after getting Wolves goalie Paul Jones on a month's loan. He will replace Richard Lee who broke his cheekbone in last Saturday's defeat at Coventry City. The 2nd new signing is highly rated Spurs left winger Johnnie Jackson. He is expected to jump straight into the side. Former Manchester United striker Danny Webber misses the match with a dislocated shoulder. The highly rated striker has been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road this season. Hamuer Bouazza joins Webber in the treatment room, again with a dislocated shoulder. Bruce Dyer and the in form Heidar Helguson will start up front for the Hornets. Watford Key Player - Heidar Helguson |
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FORM GUIDE |
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Reading go into the Boxing Day clash on the back of some decent form. A
fluke Nicky Shorey free kick was difference between Reading and fellow
promotion chasers QPR last Saturday. The Royals are yet to lose at home in
the league this season. Steve Coppell's side lie 4th in the Championship. Watford need the win badly after going 9 games in the league without a win. The Hornets however have gone on a decent Cup run and have knocked out the Royals, Southampton and Portsmouth along the way. Ray Lewington's Watford currently lie in 15th place. |
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PREVIOUS MEETINGS |
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Watford
0:1 Reading - 25/09/04 Reading 0:3 Watford - 21/09/04 (Carling Cup Round 2) Watford 1:0 Reading - 09/05/04 Reading 2:1 Watford - 29/11/03 Watford 0:3 Reading - 30/04/03 Reading 2:1 Watford - 23/11/02 |
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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Around 18,000 tickets have been sold and tickets are available on the day.
The Ticket Office opens at 9am.
There is no public transport running tomorrow. Supporters should try and share a lift if possible. Because of the lack of public transport, the club has managed to secure the Cosco Car Park which will be open from 9am. Match day Programme - £2.50 Make sure to make your predictions on the 1871Royals Prediction League |
