Newcastle v Reading preview

Keegan looks for revival to continue as Royals chase another North East win

Last updated: 4th April 2008

Football Premier League Tottenham Newcastle United Obafemi Martins

Martins: Impressing of late

Skysports.com prediction: Newcastle 3 Reading 1

One to watch: Obafemi Martins

SkyBet odds: Newcastle 8/11 Draw 9/4 Reading 10/3

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Newcastle United and Reading are both looking to inch closer to confirming their Premier League status in Saturday's game at St James' Park.

Kevin Keegan has finally sparked the revival on Tyneside after back-to-back wins moved the Magpies nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Reading have also picked up in recent weeks after one defeat in five games, and victory on Saturday would lift them above Newcastle in the table on goal difference.

Buoyed by a stunning 4-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Keegan is likely to be tempted to stick with the same team.

Trio set to start

The three-pronged attack of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins is starting to reap dividends and the trio should all start against Reading.

With Shay Given still out with a hamstring injury, Steve Harper will continue in goal, while Claudio Cacapa is out with a groin problem.

James Milner has an ankle problem, although full-back Stephen Carr is closing on a return after a hamstring injury.

Emre, who scored the winner in the corresponding fixture last season, played for the reserves in the week after two months out with a calf injury.

Reading's only away win in the Premier League this term came in the North East when James Harper scored a last-minute winner at Middlesbrough last month.

Matejovsky out

Harper will have a new partner in midfield as Marek Matejovsky serves a one-match ban after being sent off in the 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers last week.

Kalifa Cisse is expected to start in Matejovsky's absence, while Steve Coppell is hoping a haircut will improve Stephen Hunt's fortunes in front of goal.

Jimmy Kebe is out with a knee injury, but Glen Little could take a place on the substitutes' bench after a year out with an Achilles injury.

Reading skipper Graeme Murty has not played since the end of February due to a knee injury, and is unlikely to be involved, while Brynjar Gunnarsson is out with a groin problem.