Reading FC v Everton FC (Capital One Cup Third Round): Match Preview

Reading FC

Form (all comps): WLWWW

Steve Clarke is expected to make a number of changes to the side that lined up against Bristol City on Saturday. The Reading boss is looking at the game against the Toffees as a chance to use his squad and give some of his regular starters a rest. Paolo Hurtado and Alex Fernandez are two players Clarke has hinted will start for the Royals. Ali Al-Habsi, Lucas Piazon, Ola John and Simon Cox are also among those pushing for a start.

Everton FC

Form (all comps): DWDWL

Roberto Martinez will hope to have Muhamed Besic and Seamus Coleman available again after they both missed Everton's 0-0 draw with Swansea on Saturday, although defender Tyias Browning impressed at right-back on his full Premier League debut in South Wales. Kevin Mirallas begins his three match ban for the red card he picked up against The Swans and will sit this one out with Gerard Deulofeu likely to come in.

Lineups From Last Game

Reading FC: J. Bond, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, S. Quinn (A. Tshibola 90), G. McCleary (P. Hurtado 84), D. Williams, O. Norwood, J. Obita, N. Blackman, M. Vydra (Lucas Piazon)

Everton FC: T. Howard, P. Jagielka, J.Stones, B. Galloway, T. Browning, G. Barry, J. McCarthy, R. Barkley (K. Mirallas 90+2), S. Naismith, A. Kone (Deulofeu 65), R. Lukaku

What The Opposition Think

Romelu Lukaku is due a good game for us. He's particularly fond of central defenders who give him space to turn and impose himself physically, so if you have a couple of those watch out. We're expecting Roberto to name an attacking lineup so if you see Gerard Deulofeu starting then that's another one to watch out for.

Last Five Meetings

02 Mar 2013: Everton 3-1 Reading (Premier League)

17 Nov 2012: Reading 2-1 Everton (Premier League)

01 Mar 2011: Everton 0-1 Reading (FA Cup)

09 Feb 2008: Everton 1-0 Reading (Premier League)

18 Aug 2007: Reading 1-0 Everton (Premier League)

Head To Head

Reading v Everton: W:3 D:1 L:6

YouTube History

Prediction

Everton sneaked past Barnsley in the last round, needing extra time to beat the League One side and I predict Reading to go one better than The Tykes: Reading 2-1 Everton (AET).