Reading v Liverpool preview

Benitez: Reds cannot afford slip-up

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Reading will need to raise their game considerably if they are to cause an FA Cup upset against Liverpool.

The Royals head into Saturday's third round contest on the back of a five-match winless run which has left them in trouble towards the foot of the Championship table.

In contrast, the Reds have threatened to turn their season around of late, with three wins in four Premier League outings putting them back in the hunt for a top four finish.

Reading news

Reading have no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of their glamour cup tie.

Brian McDermott saw his side hammered 4-1 at fellow Championship strugglers Plymouth on Monday and may choose to make changes.

Defender Matthew Mills is expected to be handed a recall as McDermott looks for a response to a damaging defeat at Home Park which left the Royals just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Midfielder Brian Howard has been an unused substitute for the last two games, after making a swift return from a broken jaw, but may be drafted back into the starting line-up and given a chance to emulate his famous FA Cup goal at Anfield while a Barnsley player in 2008.

Jay Tabb is still struggling with a calf strain while striker Noel Hunt is likely to be out until the end of the season as he recovers from a knee injury.

New signing Gunnar Thorvaldsson is not available to play until next week's clash with Newcastle.

Liverpool news

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will resist the temptation to make wholesale changes to his side for the trip to Madejski Stadium.

Benitez is already without Glen Johnson because of a knee injury sustained in the win at Aston Villa on Tuesday, while midfielder Javier Mascherano is still serving a suspension.

Liverpool need to do well in the FA Cup considering their poor season, so Benitez will mix his side with experienced and fringe players.

Winger Albert Riera, back in training after a calf injury, is unlikely to be involved.