Reading V Rotherham - Match Preview

Last updated : 24 August 2003 By Rob Cooper
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Reading will top Division One for the first time in their history if they defeat Ronnie Morre's Rotherham side at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow.

Reading are currently second in the table, two points behind Crystal Palace and level on points with Stoke and Millwall. With Palace, Millwall and Stoke not playing again until Tuesday, the Royals will top the division for 24 hours should they win.

However, as many sides found out at their expense last season, Rotherham are no pushover. The very fact that on Saturday they defeated Championship favourites West Ham suggests a difficult ninety minutes of football lies ahead.

Reading's cause is not helped by fitness worries that are hanging over them. Both Kevin Watson and Steve Brown face a race against time to be fit for tomorrow's game having limped off injured at Derby yesterday.

Watson, whose star performances had kept Harper out of the side, looks most likely to miss the game through injury. Should he miss the game, his place will be taken by former Arsenal man James Harper. If Brown misses the game, he will be replaced by John Mackie.

Elsewhere, there is likely to be just one further change from the team that defeated Derby yesterday. Nicky Shorey, who has served a one match ban for his opening day dismissal, should return to the side at Ricky Newman's expense.

Martin Butler, who got twenty minutes at Pride Park on Saturday, could again be in line for a run out.

Simon Garner is the Miller's only injury victim at present and he should be replaced by Andy Monkhouse.

There will be no Madejski visit for Alan Lee, the Republic of Ireland international striker last week moved to Cardiff for £850,000. Richard Barker and Darren Byfield are expected to resume together up front. Byfield will keep Mark Robins out of the side having scored a peach of a goal as Rotherham beat West Ham on Saturday.

Mike Pollitt, who not once, not twice but thrice repelled meancing Hammers attacks on Saturday will play in goal and could prove to be Reading's toughest opponent tomorrow.

Probable Reading Line-Up: (4-4-2) Hahnemann; Shorey, Williams, Brown, Murty; Hughes, Sidwell, Harper, Murray; Forster, Goater

ROB'S BEAT THE MANAGER PREDICTION:

Reading 3 Rotherham 1

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