Reading v Blackburn preview

Royals go in search of first top-flight victory against Rovers

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 28th March 2008

Steve Coppell

Coppell: Has Reading climbing the table

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1

SKY BET odds: Reading 11/8, Draw 11/5, Blackburn 13/8

One to Watch: Benni McCarthy

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Reading will be hoping that their recent resurgence continues as they welcome Blackburn to the Madejski Stadium.

The Royals have won three of their last four to move five points clear of the bottom three and help ease their relegation fears.

While they have found the going tough throughout the majority of the season, eight of their nine victories in the league have come in front of their own supporters.

However, they have failed to beat Blackburn in their three previous top-flight meetings and only Derby (23) have suffered more defeats than their 18.

Rovers meanwhile maintain an outside chance of sneaking into a Uefa Cup spot, but are currently eight points adrift of fifth place.

They have won three of their last four, losing just once, and recorded a comprehensive 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture between the two sides back in October.

Mark Hughes will also be hoping that Benni McCarthy can continue his fine goalscoring record against the Royals, as the South African striker has found the target four times in their three previous encounters.

Test for Kebe

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.

Samba suspended

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.