Match Preview: Middlesbrough v Reading (From The Northern Echo)

Match Preview: Middlesbrough v Reading

2:55pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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MIDDLESBROUGH
Coyne
Hoyte Wheater McManus Taylor
Franks O'Neil Robson Arca
Killen McDonald

Sigurdsson Long
Kebe Tabb Howard McAnuff
Bertrand Griffin Ingimarsson Mills
Federici
READING

Middlesbrough subs (from): Jones (gk), Grounds, Bennett, Pogatetz, Riggott, Naughton, Emnes, Lita, Miller, L Williams.
Reading subs (from): Hamer (gk), Matejovsky, Gunnarsson, Khizanishvili, Robson-Kanu, Cisse, Church, Rasiak.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Following striker and defensive selection crises Boro complete the set with a lack of midfield resources causing Gordon Strachan a major problem against the division's form side. Rhys Williams is suspended while Julio Arca and Jonathan Franks face fitness tests. Justin Hoyte offers defensive cover if Kyle Naughton fails to shake off a knock but the manager may be forced to play one of his defenders in a midfield role. Emanuel Pogatetz has returned to training but lacks match fitness.
Suspensions: R Williams 1 match
Injuries: Flood (knee), Aliadiere (toe), McMahon (foot), Hines (ankle/knee) Bates (knee)
Last five league games: DDLWL
Leading league scorer: McDonald 15 (14 for Celtic)
Next game: vs Preston (H) 23/03/10

READING: Royals boss Brian McDermott has performed a minor miracle since succeeding Brendan Rogers last December, winning nine of their last 12 games in all competitions. McDermott is expected to name the same side that beat QPR on Tuesday with defender Matt Mills keeping his place despite accusations he made an offensive gesture towards Reading fans. Kalifa Cisses return to training boosts the midfield options.
Suspensions: None
Injuries: Hunt, Armstrong (both knee), Karacan (hand)
Last five league games: LWWW
Leading league scorer: Gylfi Sigurdsson 9
Key player: Jimmy Kebe - Pacy French winger supports the Royals attack.

Last season: n/a
League head to head: Middlesbrough 6, Reading 7, draws 4
Referee: Andy Hall (Birmingham) G34 Y138 R7 Ave: 4.26
Last Middlesbrough game: vs Barnsley (A) 2-1 28/12/09 Y5 R0

It's a fact: Leroy Lita's second half strike sealed Reading's 3-2 victory over Boro three years ago.
Comment by Scott Wilson: Boro will need to call on their new found resilience to halt the Royals' late play-off charge.
Prediction: 1-1