Reading vs. Everton

[Royal Blue Jersey]

KO 3.00pm Saturday 18th of August
Venue: The Madjeski Stadium
Reading vs. Everton


Let me have some glory lads, you can brush this up with your fancy photos in a minute, but I'd like to get a sticky.

SO, as we are all brimming with optimism and anticipation, I thought I'd start this one slightly early; we have just under 48 hours until the blues kick off at the Madjeski Stadium at the time of this post, but I'm gripped with so much excitement, I had to go first.

It looks like Reading will be without some key figures for Saturday's game. Andre Bikey (who looks a little hesitant in defence) came in to replace Druberry (their preferred centre half) early on against Chelsea, and debutant Cisse was red carded, and he can be put alongside the other suspensee, Dave Kitson, currently serving a 3 match ban. Added to that the summer's loss of key man Steve Sidwell, and injuries to Leroy Lita, Ibrahima Sonko and Little, could we have found a great time to play Reading?

Despite a stirling performance against the Champions, a rather lacklustre showing against the runners-up saw Reading throw away a 1-0 lead and let Chelsea win for 1-2. With confidence so high, I think Everton should be aiming for maximum, but very hard fought, points.

Personally, a clean sheet (as always) is imperative. We haven't got one yet and I'm sure that is something Moyes would like to address. Reading are no pushovers at home but another solid, composed away performance with Arteta and Osman allowed to use all their flair, and AJ being used against his bogey team, I see no reason why we can't take all 3 points from Berkshire.


Men to Watch: Andrew Johnson (Everton) & Kevin Doyle (Reading)

Match Prediction: 0-2 to Everton, a repeat of last season.
Johnson with both. But it will be incredibly tough - and I'd take any form of win, route one or beautiful game, at the moment, to keep our run going!

 

[chicoazul]

Ive got a lot of time for Coppell and the way he manages.

This will be no easy game, I would love the win but Im going for a 1-1 draw.

And if Nate delivers the goods, I will see Everton live twice in one week - before rushing to Montreal airport for my flight home*



*Unless this Hurricane Dean heading our way decides to get violent.

 

[McBain]

Tough game, Coppells a champ and he will be studying us right now.

Two teams with big hearts, a must get 3 points in reality, but arent they all?

Early goals, yes please. We have to stretch them by notching early.

 

[Axlswhk]

Massive game. Will be a very open game of football. Saw reading's game against chelsea and quite impress with the way they play, especially first half when they overwhelm chelsea.

Again we need bit of luck, 3 out of 3 is beyond my pre season expectation and it looks achievable. Another 6 pointer against a potential european side.

 

[Sim]

The confidence the players will now have should put them in a good position to play some good football against reading. We are more than capable of winning this one, but by the same token, their a good team and with the wrong attitude or bad luck we could also easily loose.

It seems to good to be true to win 3/3, so I think im gonna go for a more realistic draw. 1-1

COYB!! Prove me wrong.

 

[Blue Wiz]

Much depends on how tired their players are after having to play against ManU and Chelsea within a week.

I hope for a win, but I go for a draw 1-1.

 

[Namdrater]

I think we can win, I go for a 2-0 win for us. Hopefully no defensive slipups this game and I believe our attack has proved over the past week that we are capable of getting the goals.

 

[FCConnecticut]

I want out first clean sheet!

 

[TX Bill]

1-0 to Everton with AJ getting off the mark.

Tough, tough game though.

 

[CanadaToffee]

A draw would be a decent result, although with their injuries we'd probably be a little disappointed with a point. With the confidence high, though, must be a decent chance of 3 points.

 

[monty]

I see no reason why we can't keep our little run going. Just remember that the Reading fans absolutely hate AJ, he has never failed to score against them in any match at any level, will his seasonal duck be broken?

 

[Namdrater]

Hope he can get off the mark, he really deserved a goal against Tottenham.

 

[Dylan]

He would have had 3 save for some great goalkeeping!

 

[Maverick]

going up to New York City this weekend to visit baby bro...

can't watch the game live so I will settle for an airing late Sunday night

so don't be calling me with score updates guys!

 

[Dylan]

I haven't seen the listing for it played live on FSC, only 4am on Sunday? What am I missing?