Posh v Royals. Match preview

Last updated : 19 September 2009 By Angus Muller

Whelpdale returned from a lengthy absence with a groin injury during last Saturday's 1-1 draw at QPR but came off in the draw at Leicester on Tuesday night with a head injury.

Ferguson is confident he will be fit but Shaun Batt is ready to replace him if necessary after scoring twice for the reserves on Wednesday.

Forward Ben Wright is fit again after an ankle problem but he will have to make do with a place on the bench at best as Ferguson's first-choice strike partnership of Aaron Mclean and Craig Mackail-Smith continue up front.

Utility man Charlie Lee remains sidelined with the ankle injury he picked up in training last week and Sergio Torres has joined Lincoln on loan.

Fringe players Danny Mills and Danny Blanchett have also joined Torquay and Hereford on loan as Posh look to pick up a belated first win of the season.

Meanwhile, Reading boss Brendan Rodgers hopes to have midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson back in his squad.

The Iceland international came off during last Saturday's goalless draw with Doncaster after picking up a hip injury and he missed the 1-0 defeat to Cardiff on Wednesday night.

However, he is expected to be fit to return as the Royals look for a win against struggling Posh.

Reading made it 13 home games without a victory against Cardiff - a run stretching back to January - but they did triumph at Barnsley on their last away day.

Club captain Ivar Ingimarsson was back on the bench against Cardiff after eight months out with a knee injury but Darren O'Dea is expected to remain alongside Alex Pearce in the back four.

Jobi McAnuff (back) and Chris Armstrong (knee) remain sidelined while Shane Long could be back after a knock.

Sporting Life