Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Reading’s top scorer Matej Vydra and midfielder Danny Williams both face fitness tests on hamstring problems.
Defender George Evans is cup-tied, as is forward Yann Kermorgant, so new signing Deniss Rakels could get a first start for the club up front.
West Brom defender Gareth McAuley is progressing well with a hamstring injury but will not be fit in time.
James Morrison and Callum McManaman are still sidelined with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
Editor’s Note: Reading reached the Semi Finals of this competition last season and will no doubt be hoping to at least repeat this time around. They will certainly have to find their form this Afternoon as they play host to Premier League side West Brom.
Reading are in the midst of a massive slump right now as they’ve failed to win their last 6 matches a run which sees them as low as 15th in The Championship and 14 points off a Play-Offs so it’s fair to say they will have to make do with at least another season in England’s second tier.
Last time out they faced promotion chasing Burnley and managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw, that was the second stalemate in a row and the third draw in four. So although they may be difficult to break down, Brian McDermott’s outfit are struggling to get a win on the board as of late.
They will face a West Brom side who somehow managed to come away with a win at Goodison Park last Saturday. They weathered a storm which included 34 efforts at Goal and Ross Barkley hitting the woodwork twice in the first half.
In the last round Tony Pulis’ side were arguably outperformed by Peterborough over the course of the two ties and could only dispose of the League One team on Penalties. Again it seems as if The Baggies had quite lucky week but have they used up all their fortune?
I have a feeling with Reading not really having not much else to play for they are definitely going to be up for this one and could spring a nasty surprise. I think West Brom will do well to get a draw and have a feeling they will have to go to The Hawthorns to decide this one. A draw for me.
