News and Views

Royals Hunt Points Against Fourth Placed Everton

16 November 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?

In-form fourth placed Everton visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Reading look to move out of the bottom three in the Premier League. The only way Reading could move up the table is if they win, for the first time in the League this season, and Aston Villa lose at Manchester City. Sunderland, also three points above the Royals, play on Sunday at Fulham. A victory for Reading seems a far fetched concept, after Reading have gone ten league games this season without picking up a three point haul. Meanwhile, Everton are looking to establish themselves as a top four side after an excellent start to the season. Everton have only lost one league game in the last twenty - another statistic that makes a Reading victory seem improbable.

At least Reading's recent history against Everton is reasonable - the sides have shared two victories each and a draw out of the last five games betweeh the sides. The last meeting saw Reading pick up an unlikely 1-0 win at Everton with Mills scoring in a FA Cup Fifth Round victory. There's no doubt Reading fans would be happy with a similar outcome this weekend.

Adam Federici returned to the side last weekend as Reading picked up their first clean sheet of the season in the 0-0 home draw with Norwich. Federici will retain his place in goal with Alex McCarthy still out of action after damaging his shoulder two weeks ago. Guthrie and Karacan remain out of action and Jimmy Kebe is expected to be with them on the unavailable list.

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