Reading have beaten Cardiff twice in our last 16 attempts - with the wins both coming away from home in the FA Cup and in the Championship Play-Off first leg. Excluding those fixtures, which were wins in the important games, Reading have struggled against Cardiff in recent history. Last season we lost 0-2 in Cardiff before picking up a 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium later in the season.
The Royals scraped through on penalties against MK Dons in midweek but appeared to seriously suffer with fitness as the game entered extra time. Luckily Stam has plenty of players to choose from as he is certain to make changed to the League Cup side. Striker Rakels will be unavailable after picking up a first half injury on Tuesday night. Al Habsi is likely to be recalled in goal to reaplce Jaakkola. Meanwhile third choice goalkeeper Bond has left to join Gillingham on loan and to pick up some vital first team action after dropping down the ranks at Reading.
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