Reading v Spurs [R]

[Pablo Chicago]

Last home game of the season. The Royals haven't scored in their last 5 games. It doesn't seem to matter who the Spurs play lately, they've scored a goal a game and earned draws against their last 4 opponents (Blackburn, Boro, Wigan, and Bolton). They also beat the Royals the last time they played at Mad Stad (FA Cup 0-1).

Predictions?

Lineups?

What does Copps need to do to light a fire under these guys?

[Laudy]

My feeling is that we need creation coming from our midfield in order to score goals. The only player I have seen that from this season is Matejovsky. On the other hand, sometimes he tries too much and it ends up costing us. However, I believe this is the match we need to take risks. We need to play to win this match to take control of our destiny. A point would be nice but 3 points would be fantastic. I truly believe the Derby match will be our toughest remaining match. Playing their last home match in the premiership (for at least one season) may give them a reason to play their best. So that being said we must come out blazing against the Spurs.

I don't know exactly what the formation (4-4-2 or 4-1-2-1-2???) was against Wigan but either way Bikey seemed to provide a spark in the middle. I liked Doyle in an attacking midfield role and Bikey at a defensive midfield role. I'd continue with Lita and Kitson up front and go with Hunt, Doyle, Bikey, and Matejovsky in the midfield. I know Harper has been a mainstay but what has he done to spark this team? He has been quietly consistent and I may be missing something but I would risk him and go with something different. Rosenoir provides some offensive push from the back but his overall defensive play is suspect. I'll give him the nod though, along with Ingimarsson, Duberry, and Shorey. On the bench let's go with Federici, Harper, Long, Cisse, and Little. I would love to give Convey a chance but I think Little may offer more at this point. Maybe Convey instead of Harper but I think benching Harper and bringing him in late may motivate him.

This is the featured game on Fox Soccer so all of us from the US will have the chance to watch it live. I am already very anxious and it is only Tuesday.

[lestat2x]

Sonko and Fae were acting like children at least according to the Sun and a Reading "source" (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1111062.ece).

Just like Jozy Altidore gets his transfer news from bigsoccer, so does Steve Coppell choose his team selections from hobnob. Actually if he did then he'd start Convey in place of Hunt, which means Hunt will get the start. Marek has to be one of the center mids, nothing is created when he isn't on the field. Little could start but that would depend on fitness.

[rms5555]

This is what I would like to see:

Hahnemann, Murty, Bikey, Rosenior, Shorey, Convey, Matejovsky, Doyle, Hunt, Kitson and Lita

[Pablo Chicago]

Starters:
Hahnemann
Rosenior
Ingimarsson
Duberry
Shorey
Doyle
Harper
Bikey
Hunt
Lita
Kitson

Bench:
Cissie
Federici
Matejovsky
Long
Oster

[lestat2x]

Thats about what I expected. Keep out the players who have been playing attacking football and leave in the ones who haven't been on form.

[lestat2x]

Is that the first time Shorey has been in the opposition half aside from free kicks all season?

[Pablo Chicago]

11th minute - First real threat - foot save by Hahnemann

[lestat2x]

Hahnemann with kick save on Bent's shot.

[Pablo Chicago]

I don't recall seeing Shorey on that half before. ;)

At least we're getting some early corners.

[Pablo Chicago]

Keane walks it in. 16th minute

[lestat2x]

No midfield or defense. Keane scores.

[lestat2x]

Bikey needs to move back to CB, there's no communication between him and Harper.

[lestat2x]

11 Marcus Hahnemanns. Thats what we need.

[prvev]

Hahnemann keeps it at 1-0..

[Pablo Chicago]

22 minute - Great save by Hahnemann on free kick by Keane just outside penalty area

23 minute - Malbraanque goal ruled offside

[prvev]

Offside...bad call. Horrible defending, again.

[Pablo Chicago]

Back line looks like posts stuck in the ground.

Coppell up and yelling.

Replay shows the linesman made a bad call, but then again it's about time we got a call our way.

[lestat2x]

Shorey with a pathetic giveaway. Thankfully we have Rosenoir.

[Pablo Chicago]

keane hand ball - no call.