Reading v Newcastle preview: Dwight Gayle could return to starting XI
Tuesday 7 March 2017 13:41, UK
Reading will assess Garath McCleary ahead of the visit of Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle.
The winger did not feature in the squad for Saturday's win over Wolves because of knee and abdominal problems which are being carefully managed. Romanian international Adrian Popa made his full debut at the weekend, so could retain his place in midfield, while Joey van den Berg and John Swift also started against Wolves.
Jordon Mutch and George Evans are other options for Royals boss Jaap Stam, while Stephen Quinn (knee), Reece Oxford (hamstring), Deniss Rakels (ankle), Callum Harriott (hamstring), Tiago Ilori (knee) and Danzell Gravenberch (ankle) remain out.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is confident striker Dwight Gayle is over his hamstring injury. Gayle scored his 21st goal of the season as a substitute in Saturday evening's 3-1 win at Huddersfield, but Benitez will make a late assessment as he considers the relative merits of the former Crystal Palace forward, Daryl Murphy, Ayoze Perez and Yoan Gouffran.
The Spaniard has no fresh injury problems with full-back Vurnon Anita now back in the fold after playing the full 90 minutes at the John Smith's Stadium. Only long-term absentees Isaac Hayden (ankle) and Rolando Aarons are currently unavailable.
Opta stats
After winning their first two league games against Newcastle at the Madejski Stadium, Reading have failed to win either of their most recent two (D1 L1).
Newcastle have netted in all but one of their nine league meetings with Reading, last failing to do so in April 2007.
The Magpies have scored with a league-high 13.2% of their total shots in the Championship this season.
Newcastle have attempted 81 shots on target more than they have allowed their opponents in the Championship this season; a league-high difference (192 attempted, 111 conceded).
Jaap Stam's side have won nine of their previous 11 home Championship games (D1 L1).
Prutton's prediction
I tipped Brighton to beat Newcastle and Newcastle won. I tipped Huddersfield to beat Newcastle and Newcastle won. Sorry Toon fans, I'm tipping Newcastle this time as they look like champions.
They don't need to have the ball to win matches - they had 24 per cent possession but still won 3-1 at Huddersfield. Rafa's team are very comfortable without the ball and allowing the opposition to dominate the ball. Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey interchange very well in the central position, which makes it hard for the opposition.
It's games like this at this time of the season where champions win.
David Prutton predicts: 0-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
