Royals to commandeer Palace
Reading v Crystal Palace
Reading will be looking to haul themselves further clear of the drop zone when they meet Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
The Royals have risen to 18th following a run of three victories from their last five games and could ascend a further two places with another triumph.
Brendan Rodgers’ men won at the Madejski Stadium for the first time since January two weeks ago when they surmounted play-off-chasing Blackpool, but will be yearning for back-to-back successes to prove they are finally over their home jitters.
Ex-Watford boss Rodgers may have to alter his starting eleven though, as striker Simon Church is doubtful with a back injury.
The Welshmen was withdrawn during the weekend win at Sheffield Wednesday, and could join Shane Long (banned), Brian Howard (broken jaw), and long-term knee-injury victim Noel Hunt on the sidelines.
Jobi McAnuff, on the other hand, is fit and raring to go and having created both of the Royals’ goals in their victory at Hillsborough, will be determined to continue in the same artistic vein when he tackles his old club.
Crystal Palace suffered their first defeat since October at the weekend with a surprising 3-0 home reverse against Doncaster – a result that sent the Londoners into the bottom half of the table.
Eagles chief Neil Warnock will expect a swift response from his charges, especially top scorer Darren Ambrose, who failed to net for the first time in seven matches.
The Croydon-based outfit have drawn their past three away fixtures and are more efficient on their travels than they are lethal, though a victory at high-flying West Brom was a fine example of their credentials.
Winger Victor Moses is likely to be a thorn in Reading’s side but with plenty of Premier League clubs sniffing around the 18-year-old, he may not be wreaking havoc on any other second-tier teams come the turn of the year.
The Royals’ biggest league win came against Palace when they beat the Eagles 10-2 back in 1946 – there won’t be as much goal action this time around but the same side will take the spoils.
Verdict: Reading 2-1 Crystal Palace