Reading Vs Swansea Preview

Riding high on a wave of confidence after the 1-0 derby win over Cardiff City, Roberto Martinez's side travel up the m4 to face a strong Reading side.

Steve Coppell's side have brushed aside the disappointment of relegation to the championship and find themselves in the last play off place but with a side packed with quality players the former Brighton boss will be demanding more from his vastly experienced squad. The Royals were subject to one of the biggest refereeing mistakes in modern football last week when under fire official Stuart Atwell with the advice of linesman Nigel Bannister awarded a goal to Coppell's side despite the ball going well wide of the goal. The football leauge have ruled out replaying the fixture and the 2-2 result stands.

Whilst Reading faced Watford in an extraordinary game at Vicarage Road, Swansea City were left frustrated by Burnley. Despite showing overwhelming dominance against the Turf Moor outfit the Swans had to be content with a draw after Ferrie Bodde canceled out Joey Gudjonsson's 59th minute strike.

Swansea City Midfielder Leon Britton on how the Cardiff City win may give the squad a boost:'

But hopefully we can build on Cardiff in our next few games.We have some tough league fixtures coming up, but we have to try to pick up some points. The Cardiff win should give us a lot of confidence.'

Royals team news to come....

The Irish conneciton:

The 25 year old Irishman has been an influential player for the Royals since his move from Cork City in 2005. Subject to multi million pound moves from premier leauge clubs last term Doyle showed his loyalty to the Berkshire club and decided to stay on despite the lure of playing top flight football. So far this season the skillful striker has scored 6 goals and has earned high praise from Republic Of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Mark Gower is facing a race to be fit for the trip to Reading after sustaining a ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Cardiff City. There has been some good news from Swansea City physio Richie Evans who has revealed that the midfielder has responded well to treatment and is back in full training.

However Marcos Painter could miss the game with an ankle injury whilst Darren Pratley's chances of facing the royals are slim after failing to recover from ankle ligament damage that saw the midfielder miss the South Wales derby.

Swansea's Dutch Ace:

After a slow start to the season Bodde has finally found form. With his pin point passing and good combination play with Jordi Gomez, Darren Pratley and Leon Britton the Dutchman could prove the match winner come Saturday. The former U-23 Holland international has become the clubs top goal scorer with 4 goals to his name this season.

The Form Book Based on the previous five matches:

Swansea City

DLDDW

Reading

WLWDL

Referee: Scott Mathieson
Assistant Officials:G S Evetts and D Ford
Fourth Official B C Holderness

Vital Swansea predicts a 1-1 draw.

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