News and Views

Reading Get Pardew's Palace In Quarter Finals

21 February 2016
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading have been drawn at home to former manager Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. After the convincing 3-1 home victory over West Bromwich Albion in round five it will be seen as perhaps the best possible draw for the Royals.

Not only are Reading at home once again, but the Royals have again successfully avoided some of the Premier League's biggest clubs. West Brom and Palace are both midtable in the Premier League, one place apart and both on 32 points. It will be seen as a difficult match for the Royals, but does appear to give a realistic chance of a second FA Cup semi-final appearance in consecutive seasons.

Reading's recent history in the FA Cup is remarkable. Reaching the last eight once again, after an otherwise disappointing season, is a near miracle, but fans will now have expectations of another trip to Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup.

While Reading pulled off a shock win over West Brom, after coming from a goal behind, Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory at Tottenham today was probably a much bigger shock. The game will be big enough already, but Alan Pardew will relish a return to Reading, in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash at the Madejski Stadium.

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