When : Tuesday 3rd March, 8pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161
Cup magic is what it is all about so thought I’d put this thread together nice and early to get as much build up and cup fever going as possible.
Reading are now one win away from being one win away from Wembley (although most would agree that that is actually a bit cr@p given that you are actually 3 wins away from the game that matters in the competition - but then a day out in a semi final is still something special wherever it’s played).
This will obviously be the hardest challenge so far as the Blades are currently now miles ahead of Reading in terms of prestige, money and squad then add to that Reading’s fairly dreadful home form and the fact that Sheffield United won’t have had to play a game since 22nd February (they were scheduled for a trip to Aston Villa on 29th February) and you see just how magnificent Reading will need to be to progress.
Sheffield are also likely to take the FA Cup fairly seriously as they also can see a chance of achievement in the horizon particularly as they are currently sitting 7th in the Premier League and just 4 points off a possible Champions League place. Chances are they’ll start with the likes of Sharp, Henderson, Basham and Norwood et al so no kids making up the numbers expected here.
Reading too are expected field a more experienced team than in previous rounds but injury problems will be as annoying as ever. Yet despite all this, all it takes is some determination, fight, belief, a baying crowd that can turn the Madejski into an Anfield on a European night (plus the obligatory touch of luck) and there could be a real upset on the cards.
Just to remind you that this tie must be decided on the night, there is no replay so extra time and penalties will be used if necessary.
Referee
As a PL club is involved we get a PL referee and Kevin Friend is due to be providing whistle action for this one
Previously....
15 Aug 2017 > Reading 2-1 Aston Villa
28 Jan 2014 > Reading 5-1 Blackpool
28 Apr 2013 > Reading 0-0 Queen's Park Rangers
12 Jan 2013 > Reading 3-2 West Bromwich Albion
30 Oct 2012 > Reading 5-7 Arsenal ( League Cup )
18 Aug 2012 > Reading 1-1 Stoke City
02 Apr 2011 > Reading 2-0 Portsmouth
26 Dec 2010 > Reading 4-1 Bristol City
24 Apr 2010 > Watford 3-0 Reading
08 Dec 2009 > Reading 2-4 Crystal Palace
10 Apr 2009 > Reading 0-1 Sheffield United
04 Oct 2008 > Reading 3-1 Burnley
28 Aug 2007 > Swansea City 0-1 Reading ( League Cup )
09 Aug 2005 > Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Reading
21 Mar 2005 > Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 Reading
18 Sep 2004 > Reading 3-1 Gillingham
Historically
Reading and Sheffield United have played two games against each other in the FA Cup, one at each ground and on each occasion the result has been a home win with the away team unable to score so can the trend be continued?
Overall though home form against the red half of the “steel city” is not impressive at all. Reading have the edge but only by 10 wins to 9 and have lost every one of the last 5 home league games by an aggregate of 4 goals to 14.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel to the Mad Stad
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)