Brum Vs Reading Preview

On the back of their fantastic win over Liverpool, Reading travel to Birmingham still looking for their first away win of the season.

Royals boss Sir Steve Coppell is still on a high after the win over liverpool seems to have cheered him up no end;

'When you get a win, any kind of win, you get a good feeling.

'But for us to have done that, and beat a top four team for the first time, is significant.

'It puts a smile on everyone's face, and a bounce in the step.'

Blues Boss Alex McLeish told the club website;

'I'm really excited about the game itself and there's no doubt that we need to take the game to Reading, but we know they're a pretty capable team on their day.

'We want to get the tempo up high and we want the fans behind us.'

Birmingham are without suspended Mehdi Nafti whilst Wilson Palacios is lacking match fitness.

Johan Djourou could also miss out after picking up an injury at Newcastle on Saturday.

On the plus side, the Blues will welcome back Damien Johnson, having fully recovered from his long-term hamstring injury.

The Dutchman has been flying in recent weeks, and with two good feet and an abundance of tricks he will be a handful for the Reading backline.

The Royals have no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to St. Andrews.

Glen Little and John Oster are still sidelined, whilst Michael Duberry is available for selection after recovering from a rib injury.

Kiston has been in great form for Reading this season, not only scoring a few goals but his all round play has been exceptional.

Birmingham shouldn't be deceived by his height, as it is on the ground that he will cause the most damage.

Head-To-head

Birmigham wins:5
Reading wins:3
Draws:8

This is the first Premier League meeting between the two clubs and new Birmingham manager Alex McLeish's first home game in charge.

Reading have just one away point so far this season, that coming from a goalless draw at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season.

A Birmingham win will see the Blues leap frog Reading, and will hand them their 700th top-flight victory.

Reading have the second weakest defence in the league, behind Derby.

Birmingham have the second poorest home record in the league, again behind Derby.

A goal for Dave Kitson will see him reach 50 goals in Reading colours.

Reading will be on a high following the superb win over Liverpool, Birmingham on the other hand will be looking to impress in Alex McLeish's first home game in charge. I can see this being a very close game, but on the back of the win over Liverpool, I think Reading will have just enough momentum to record their first away win of the season. My prediction: 0-2 Convey, Kitson.

V Sunderland (H) - 22/12/07
V West Ham (A) - 26/12/07

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco