Plymouth (A) Match Preview

The Royals head to Plymouth on Monday searching for their first win since the beginning of December, but Brian McDermott at least remains unbeaten in his two games in charge, both 1-1 draws. Its been a year to forget for Reading and this is the final match of 2009 and we will be hoping to end the year on a high in this relegation scrap.

Reda Johnson is due to fly to the Africa Nations Cup but should be available for this game, whilst Chris Barker and Krizstian Timar are both fit again and pushing for recalls.

However, head coach Paul Mariner is set to name the same side that won 1-0 at Cardiff on Boxing Day.

The New Zealand striker is heading for the World Cup in the summer but beforehand he will be hoping to keep the Pilgrims in the Championship. He drew praise for his performance in the 1-0 win over Cardiff on Boxing Day and is sure to prove a handful for the Royals defence.

Jay Tabb remains a doubt after missing the draw with Swansea on Boxing Day, so Brynjar Gunnarsson should continue at right back. Simon Church is back from his one game suspension and could replace the ineffective Shane Long, whilst Jimmy Kebe is also pushing for a recall.

McAnuff has been off form in the past couple of games since Rodgers departure and will be looking to get back to the kind of form that terrorised defences just a few games ago.

7th March 2009, Plymouth 2-2 Royals.

Plymouth got themselves off the bottom of the table with a win on Boxing Day and will be keen to ensure they are not there again after this game, as the side who is bottom at the turn of the year has gone down for the last 8 years. Therefore I can't see us winning against a Pilgrims side full of confidence, but can see us getting a point in another 1-1 draw.

Saturday 2nd January 2009, Liverpool (H). FA Cup Round 3

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