Match Preview: Reading v Sheffield United

royals v blades

Steve Coppell will be without Kevin Doyle who is out with a hamstring injury, whilst Brynar Gunnarsson (hamstring), Graeme Murty (groin), Graham Stack (ankle), Shane Long (thigh) and Peter Maté (knee) are also out.

However they are blessed with the return of striker Dave Kitson and American Bobby Convey, both have returned from a bout of injury and could feature against the Blades.

Possible Royals Line-Up: Marcus Hahnemann, Ivar Ingimarsson, Ulises de la Cruz, Sonko, Nicky Shorey, Steve Hunt, Steven Sidwell, Glen Little, James Harper, Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita.

Sheffield United were 1-0 up against Portsmouth last Saturday after Stephen Quinn converted a free-kick but the visitors hit back after Gary O'Neil capitalised on a defensive error involving Claude Davis and Paul Gerrard.

The Blades are still without keepers Paddy Kenny (groin) and Ian Bennett (fractured finger); Kenny hasn't played for the Bramall Lane club in 2007 after picking up the injury in the last game of 2006 at home to Arsenal in that historic 1-0 victory.

Captain Chris Morgan is still suspended, he will serve the last of a three game ban at home to Fulham on 30 January. Meanwhile new signing Matthew Kilgallon (ankle) and Mikele Leigertwood (ankle) are both out injured.

New signing Mamadou Seck is unlikely to play although is eligible if needed whilst striker Luton Shelton has yet to be granted international clearance and will not be allowed to feature at the Madejski Stadium.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Paul Gerrard, Robert Kozluk, Chris Lucketti, Claude Davis, Derek Geary, Keith Gillespie, Phil Jagielka, Nick Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Rob Hulse, Jonathan Stead.

Man in the Middle: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)