Reading V Coventry - Match Preview

Last updated : 16 August 2002 By Rob Cooper
Gary McAllister
Coventry boss Gary McAllister
Reading tomorrow play their third game of the season against former Premiership side Coventry City - now managed by former player Gary McAllister.

Supporters will be hoping for a performance mirroring Tuesday's second half effort against Sheffield Wednesday. Behind 1-0 at the break two goals from Jamie Cureton won the game.

There is likely to be just one change from Tuesday's game - James Harper looks set to be replaced by Sammy Igoe in midfield as Reading will again line up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Graeme Murty took a knock in the fixture against the Owls but should be fit to start.

Assistant manager Kevin Dillon explained the situation to readingfc.co.uk: "He took a bang on the foot against Sheffield Wednesday and was limping the day after. He will train today and should be fit to start."

Jamie Cureton should retain his place in the startling line-up as Nicky Forster is not yet fit to start following a viral infection.

Dillon added: "Forster is doing some extra work with Sports Scientist Niall Clark. Fozzy wants to play every game, but he has been away from training for ten days with his viral infection. He may be involved at some stage."

New signing Maruc Hahnemann is unlikely to replace number one goalkeeper Phil Whitehead for tomorrow's game, he will likely have to be content with a place on the bench.

Graeme Murty
Murty in action against West Ham
For the visitors Laurent Delorge will miss the clash as he has a badly gashed leg.

Otherwise Coventry have a fully fit squad. Manager Gary McAllister must decide whether to play two or three players up front. Julian Joachim and Jay Bothroyd have started the first two games of the season but could lose their place to the returning Lee Hughes.

A large crowd is expected at the Madejski Stadium, Coventry have sold out their 2,000 allocation.

Predicted Reading-Line-Up: Whitehead, Murty, Shorey, Williams, Mackie (c), Igoe, Salako, Hughes, Watson, Cureton, Butler

Reading MAD Predict: A nervy 1-0 win for the Royals courtsey of a Martin Butler second half goal.