royals v royal blues

Battle for Europe? Or will this turn out to be the start of a mid-table sparring match?

2006 was one of the great Pompey years of recent times, 2007 has been quite the opposite so far, 1 win by mid-March is definitely not European form, on the other side of the coin are Reading with seven home wins on the bounce in the Premiership, but looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.

Graeme Murty is the big doubt for the home side with one time supposed Pompey target Greg Halford hoping to deputise. Kevin Doyle the Premierships surprise package of the season is fit again, and could replace Kitson up front.

The giant winger always has a good game against Pompey, even in his Burnley days, and when he came off the bench at Fratton earlier in the season was the one bright spark in a lucklustre Reading side.

Mendes is a long time absentee in midfield and will be joined in the stands by the suspended Sean Davis, Richard Hughes will again start and could be joined by Niko Kranjcar who may get the more central berth he craves.

The big man is playing for a renewed contract, and if he can rediscover his early season form could well earn one sooner rather than later.

3-1 in the fixture at Fratton in what must have been one of Reading's worst performances of the season, although it did seem to be the catalyst in the upsurge in recent form.

Steve Bennett

0-0 or 1-0 is the usual result at Elm park/Madjeski in recent years, but I expect neither team to keep a clean sheet this time, both teams like to play football and this could result in an open game with plenty goal mouth action.

Fulham away
Man Yoo at home

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