Reading v Palace

Madejski Stadium, Friday 7.55pm

Wayne Hennessey

Team news

Palace stopper Wayne Hennessey is set for a return to the side after missing the weekend's match against Liverpool due to a minor injury.

A thigh strain has ruled striker Connor Wickham out for the next two games, while Marouane Chamakh tore his groin during a development game in midweek and is out. Jason Puncheon (hamstring) could feature, but James McArthur (ankle) is still missing.

Reading trio Paul McShane, Hal Robson-Kanu and Matej Vydra are available for selection. However, midfielder George Evans and forward Yann Kermorgant won't play as they are cup-tied.

Reading (from): Al Habsi, Bond, Cooper, McShane, Gunter, Ferdinand, Obita, Taylor, John, Norwood, Quinn, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, Hector, Rakels, Piazon, Williams, Cox, Vydra.

Palace (from): Hennessey, McCarthy, Speroni, Ward, Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Hangeland, Mariappa, Souare, Lee, Jedinak, Ledley, Zaha, Puncheon, Bolasie, Cabaye, Mutch, Campbell, Adebayor, Sako, Gayle.

Quotes

Roy Hodgson

“I got Steve Coppell to come in (to talk to me and Palace’s coaching staff). It was nice to see him back here. I showed him around a little bit, he reminisced with a few of his ex-players, Brighty (Mark Bright) and (John) Salako.

“It was good to see him. It was good to share some moments, because I was a player at that time; I only recalled it as a player, and it is different for the manager.

“I leaned on him about his experiences of that run (to the 1990 Cup final), and what he was feeling as the manager, and it was nice to talk to him, and reminisce.

"The fans were brilliant when I was there [at Reading], I couldn't ask any more of them. The reception is in their hands. But for our fans this is a big game - I want to make sure we put on the right show for them.

"The pitch is not going to help. It is not as good as it should be. It will be a really difficult surface for both teams."

Brian McDermott

“Alan Pardew was the man who brought me here in the first place after a chance meeting at Brentford. I don’t know what he saw in me that day, but I’m pleased we met. He helped get me here.

“I spoke to him when the draw for the sixth round was made. We came out of the hat first and I just knew what was coming next.

“It’s going to be a great night on Friday, under the lights at the Madejski and playing against a really good friend of mine, who did a great job here.

“I have confidence in my squad and the players are a confident group. But we know there is some real talent in the Crystal Palace team, plenty of pace at the top of the pitch and an Alan Pardew team will be very well organised. It should be a great occasion.”

Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
21/04/2012	League	Reading	2 - 2	Crystal Palace
29/10/2011	League	Crystal Palace	0 - 0	Reading
26/02/2011	League	Crystal Palace	3 - 3	Reading
11/09/2010	League	Reading	3 - 0	Crystal Palace
17/02/2010	League	Crystal Palace	1 - 3	Reading

All time results

Last meeting

Reading 2-2 Palace

Saturday April 21 2012

Reading: Federici, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Robson-Kanu (Le Fondre 46), Mullins (Gunnarsson 85), Leigertwood (Tabb 80), McAnuff, Roberts, Hunt.

Subs Not Used: McCarthy, Church.

Sent Off: Roberts (45).

Goals: Gorkss 20, Le Fondre 53.

Palace: Speroni (Price 25), De Silva, McCarthy, McShane (Parsons 31), Moxey, Zaha, Ambrose (Pedroza 61), Garvan, O'Keefe, Parr, Murray.

Subs Not Used: Scannell, Appiah.

Goals: Zaha 14, Murray 76.

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