Reading News 24/7Writer: Chris Kitley 
Date:Tuesday January 1 2008
Time: 10:50AM
UK time is: 23:19:51
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Reading vs. Portsmouth
Mad Stad
01/01/08
15.00
Royals V Pompey
After a bizarre game at White Hart Lane, Reading will be looking to get back on track against a Portsmouth side who have been very good on their travels this term.
The 7-4 drubbing at Fratton Park will also be on the minds of the Reading players as they seek revenge for the humiliating defeat.
Portsmouth will likewise be looking to bounce back after a disapointing home defeat against strugglers Middlesbrough.
Vital Quotes:
Coppell on the Pompey game;
'There's three days to prepare for it. It is not about gymnastics, it is a human response. No footballer likes getting beat, so you are looking for a response.
'They are a good team, they spent £20-odd million in the summer and we don't have that ability. So we have to depend on the qualities we have.'
Reading Team News:
Brynjar Gunnarsson is still suspended and Kalifa Cisse will continue to deputise.
Nicky Shorey is likely to play despite a stomach bug.
Player to watch: Kalifa Cisse
Cisse was finally given a chance to prove himself at Spurs and he grabbed himself a goal.
The midfielder will look to go from strength to strength in order to cement his place in the team.
Portsmouth Team News:
Portsmouth will welcome back defender Glen Johnson and midfielder Sulley Muntari.
Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot and Pedro Mendes are severe doubts while Kanu and Lauren could be rested.
Player to watch: Niko Kranjcar
The Croatian international has been excellent form this season and continues to prove that he has a very bright future in the game.
He will be a big threat to the shaky Reading defence today.
Match Facts & Stats
Reading have conceded ten in their last two away games at Portsmouth, however the previous two meetings on Reading soil have both finished 0-0.
The Royals entered 2006 with a 6-0 hammering of West Ham; Pompey are yet to win their first Premier League fixture of a new calendar year.
Ref Watch:
Mike Dean (Wirral)
Match Prediction:
This is a tough one to call. Portsmouth have been excellent away this season, Reading on the other hand have been very strong at home. With the 6-4 defeat at Spurs likely to be on the minds of the Reading players, they could be slightly more cautious with their play today. My prediction; Reading 0-0 Portsmouth
Next Fixtures:
Tottenham (a) 05/01/08
Aston Villa (a) 12/01/08
Your Comments
Don't think Johnson will be fit, and Lauren has only played the last 2! no time for a rest
paultsmouth
1-1.
storagematt
0-0 bore draw...which would be a shame, as i would love to see a rivalry kicking off between the two clubs...as theres just no contest between us and scum :-)
pompeycarpet
oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
pompeycarpet
stupid, hopeful or just spot on, i dont know but 4-2 pompey is what i have my money on :-) good luck for the season - after this game - i like reading, a good side that play good football with plenty of good footballers.
pompeyrug
Please can we have 3 points? Why am I asking Vital Reading it's only us here? Oh and Krunchie looks a bit off form at the moment, his lack of pace is showing again.
stillthewhizz
Can only see a draw the best Pompey will get today. We cant win if we cant score. Hopefully im way off the mark and portsmouth will romp home.
blueape
How do you Reading boys see it going ???
blueape
Final Score - 2-0 to Pompey .. I think the sending off had a huge impact on the game we would have seen - It'll be interesting to see all the different camera angles on it tonight on MOTD. Hard luck fellas that's six points we've taken off you this year but you have a cracking team and should have no problem staying mid table and keeping those relegation wolves from the door - See you next year in the prem I'm sure ...maybe with Matty Taylor playing for you and Leroy Lita playing for us ... I can't help feeling you have the better end of the bargain if it is to be a straight swap ... anyways as I said - Chins up and good luck for the rest of the season ..
Chix
kitson is a different class, showed some really good touches, but we deserved the win. get in lads.
jbaker
Kitson, I think is our best player. Everyone focuses on doyle being a hidden gem, blah, blah, blah, but kitson is so good on the ball and has fantastic distribution. Unfortunatly he wasnt as effective today cos of the sending off...
uroyals
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