Reading FC v West Bromwich Albion FC (FA Cup Fifth Round): Match Preview

Reading FC

Form (all comps): DDLWD

Reading's top scorer Matej Vydra and midfielder Danny Williams both face fitness tests on hamstring problems. Defender George Evans is cup-tied, as is forward Yann Kermorgant, so new signing Deniss Rakels could get a first start for the club up front.

Who can forget the last time Reading met West Brom in the FA Cup Fifth round. A 2-2 draw at the Mad Stad was followed by a 3-2 win at The Hawthorns thanks to an extra time strike from Gylfi Sigurdsson. The two teams last met in the Premier League in January 2013 when not one but three late goals won the game for the Royals in a dramatic encounter that saw Reading overturn a 2-0 deficit. The comeback was started in the 82nd minute by Jimmy Kebe and sealed in the 90th by Pavel Pogrebnyak.

West Bromwich Albion FC

Form (all comps): WWLDD

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley is progressing well with a hamstring injury but will not be fit in time. James Morrison and Callum McManaman are still sidelined with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

West Brom come into this one on the back of a surprise 1-0 away win against Everton last week and that is the same scoreline they have achieve in their three other Premier League away wins this season. West Brom have needed replays to get through the last two rounds after drawing the original ties at home. An away trip to Reading would suggest that may suit the Baggies who will be backed by 4,000 travelling fans.

Reading(v Burnley): Ali Al Habsi, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, J. Cooper, S. Quinn, H. Robson-Kanu, O. Norwood (D. Rakels 81), J. Obita, Y. Kermorgant, Lucas Piazon (G. McCleary 63).

West Brom (v Everton): B. Foster, J. Olsson, J. Evans, J. Chester, C. Dawson, S. Sessegnon, D. Fletcher, C. Yacob, J. McClean (C. Brunt 57), S. Rondon (V. Anichebe 72), S. Berahino (Sandro 90+2).

What The Opposition Think

If we adopt the approach where we camp in our own half and try and nullify the game then you will have no need to worry. . If we actually turn up with the intention of crossing the half way line, then our attacking play is predictable and often very pedestrian.

Last Five Meetings

12 Jan 2013: Reading 3-2 West Brom (Premier League)

22 Sep 2012: West Brom 1-0 Reading (Premier League)

08 Jan 2011: Reading 1-0 West Brom (FA Cup)

27 Mar 2010: Reading 1-1 West Brom (League Championship)

24 Feb 2010: West Brom 2-3 Reading (FA Cup)

Head To Head

Reading v West Brom: W:12 D:9 L:18

YouTube History

Prediction

Reading FC 2-1 West Brom FC