News and Views
Strong Side Expected At Portsmouth
25 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Having gone four league games without a win, Reading travel to Portsmouth tonight in the League Cup looking for their second win of the season. Reading's only victory of the season so far came
after extra time in the first round of the competition. Chris Gunter scored the only goal of the game to stop the fixture going to penalties and send Reading into round two. League Two Portsmouth
had a far more impressive journey into the second round, beating Derby County 2-1 at home inside the ninety minutes. In the league this season, Pompey have had a decent start picking up
eight points from four games so far.
Steve Clarke fielded a strong side at Colchester and is expected to do the same against Portsmouth. That could mean few changes from Saturday's League line-up, although Ali Al Habsi, who played in the first round game, is expected to start in goal in place of Bond. Paolo Hurtado hasn't featured so far for Reading since signing due to a lack of match fitness but could be named on the bench tonight and may play some part.
Alex Fernandez played the last four minutes at the weekend during Reading's 0-0 home draw against MK Dons and is set for a bigger role in tonight's game. Michael Hector started the season in the team before being relegated to the bench but should be given another chance to prove himself tonight.
Reading have had a poor recent history against Portsmouth. Our last win at their place was way back in 1997 - a two goal victory thanks to Lee Hodges and Martin Williams in the old Division One.
Our last cup meeting was in the FA Cup, also in 1997, when Portsmouth were 3-0 winners over the Royals. Since that 1997 League win we've lost four and drawn one at Portsmouth.
It is pay on the gate at Fratton Park this evening for traveling Reading fans. Adult admission is ten pounds, eight pounds for over 60s, five pounds for 17-22 year olds and just two pounds for 16 and unders.
| Reading and Portsmouth - Head to head record (since August 1994) | |
| Games Between Reading and Portsmouth | 19 |
| Reading Wins | 3 |
| Portsmouth Wins | 9 |
| Draws | 7 |
| Reading Goals | 12 |
| Portsmouth Goals | 24 |
| Average Goals Per Game | 1.89 |
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