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Reading V Blackburn

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The Royals will be looking for further points in their quest for survival. Blackburn are on a push for Europe. All to play for.

Reading Team News:

Jimmy Kebe faces a late fitness test for Reading ahead of the game after he picked up a slight knock on international duty for Mali in midweek.

Andre Bikey is back in contention after spending the week in Spain on compassionate leave, but Brynjar Gunnarsson is unlikely to be risked after recently recovering from a groin injury.

Graeme Murty (knee) and Glen Little (heel) both played for the reserves this week but are not considered ready for a first-team return just yet, while Emerse Fae remains on the sidelines as he continues to struggle with a bout of malaria.

Player to watch: Andre Bikey.

2 goals against Birmingham last week against all the odds. A real handful in the air and as solid as a rock in defence. He’s back from compassionate leave now so will start today.

Blackburn Team News:

Blackburn will be without Chris Samba for the trip to the Madejski as the Congolese defender must serve a one-match suspension.

However, his place in the side is likely to go to the returning Ryan Nelsen after the Kiwi made a successful return to training this week following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Top scorer Roque Santa Cruz is struggling with an ankle knock picked up on international duty for Paraguay on Wednesday, while Brett Emerton is a major doubt with a groin problem.

There is some good news for Mark Hughes though as Johann Vogel has been granted international clearance to begin his career in England and could be handed an immediate debut.

Player to watch: David Bentley.

One man show against Wigan last week and half an hour for England in mid week. He’ll be looking to continue his fine run of form and push Rovers on to another 3 points.

Match Facts & Stats

Reading have never beaten Blackburn in the Premiership (touch wood).

Benni McCarthy has scored 4 goals in 3 games against Reading.

He also notched 3 offside efforts in 1 game last year against Reading.

The reverse fixture was won 4-2 by Blackburn earlier this season at Ewood Park.

Match Prediction:

I’m going to go out on a limb and predict a 2-1 win to Blackburn. I think Rovers have just enough in the tank to get the points. I think the goal scorers will be David Bentley and Jason Roberts for Rovers if I am pushed to predict.

Next Fixtures:

Delusional under achievers Tottenham at Ewood.

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Vital Blackburn Site Editor / Fence Sitter

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