City have the chance to avenge their one nil defeat at the Madejski Stadium in September by getting back to winning ways in the league after a poor 3-0 defeat to Blackburn two weeks ago.
Vital Quotes:
Manchester City Team News:
With no real movement in the transfer windo, Pearce has limited his squad choice for the remainder of the season.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce must also decide whether to hand new signing Michael Ball a debut.
But Pearce will definitely be missing Nedum Onuoha (knee) and Trevor Sinclair (groin), who are still injured.
Player to watch: Joey Barton
Will be raring to go after his first international England call up.
Reading Team News:
New Reading signing Michael Duberry may get a debut after defender Ibrahima Sonko was ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
Striker Shane Long will have a fitness test on a thigh problem and newcomer Greg Halford should make the squad.
Striker Kevin Doyle remains on the comeback trail from a hamstring tear.
Player to watch: Leroy Lita
Has started to settle into the premiership physicalities and has started to find the back of the net.
Match Facts & Stats
With few meetings between the two sides in recent years there is little form to look at, but City have a good home record this season and although Reading have peformed way above most people’s expectations, the form of Stephen Ireland and Joey Barton in the centre of midfield is starting to blossom.
Ref Watch:
Howard Webb – referee’d the corresponding away fixture in September where he sent Dabo of. He has also a liking to booking Barton on each of the two games he has referee’d City this season.
Match Prediction:
Steve Coppell will not only suffer the tirade of abuse but a defeat as well as City win 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
Portsmouth away Sat 17th 5:15pm kick off on Prem Plus.