Cardiff vs Reading Preview

Cardiff are without several players for the game against runaway leaders Reading: centre-back Glenn Loovens looks likely to miss out with the hamstring problem which forced him off at HT vs Southampton. Cox will step in and again play through the pain of his long-term shoulder problem.
Thompson, Ardley and Koumas are all doubtful with strained hamstrings. The long season and lack of first team depth is taking its toll on DJ's over-performing but over-worked squad. It will be good to see Paul Parry back in squad, we have missed the extra width and volume of crosses he provides us when fit. With only two fit strikers, we may see a change in formation with Koumas, if passed fit, just behind Jerome or Nsungu partnering Jerome up front.

For the already promoted Royals, Glen Little is unavailable after suffering a recurrance of a groin injury and Coppell will not risk him. Steven Hunt should replace the jetlagged Bobby Convey after his trip back to USA this week. Steve Coppell is likely to use the remaining games to test the premiership potential of some of his fringe players but the game will be tough regardless.

Reading have been given time off training this week in celebration and they will hopefull still be hung-over as we try to overturn a 5-1 hammering at the Madjeski earlier this season, with the play-off hopes all but mathematically impossible, we are hoping to end the seaon on a high and a result against this fantastic Reading side would be a good achievement.

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