Match Preview

When Wednesday 10 October 2001, 7.45pm kick-off
Who and Where ASTON VILLA (Away, Villa Park, League Division Two)
Ticket Info

This match is all ticket for Reading fans.
Reading have gone back to Aston Villa a number of times to increase the allocation for Wednesday night, and as a result it should be the biggest away following for the Royals for the season. There's expected to be 4,500 Reading fans inside Villa Park.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the ticket office on 0118 968 1000.

Seating tickets only.
Prices have been reduced by Aston Villa to increase the home attendance, meaning all seats are bargain priced:
Adults:
£10
Concessions: £5

Travel,
Food and Beer.

Villa Park, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE.
Telephone: 0121 3272299

By Car:
Get off the M6 at junction 6, and follow the A38(M) taking the first exit off this road. Turn right into Victoria road and then right again into Bevington Road. Parking is signposted all around this area - follow the signs to park in nearby schools, etc. Limited street parking is available.

By Rail:
Get a mainline train to Birmingham New Street, and then a local train to Aston or Witton. The Witton station is closer but not all trains call there - both stations are walking distance from the ground, so just follow the crowd!
Check train availability for the journey home as evening services after full time are a bit dodgy!

If catching the bus from the city centre then take the number 7 which goes closest to the ground.

Food and Beer:
The best bet is to eat and drink in town before the match. There's plenty of food and beer places, but a lot of pubs might be selective when it comes to letting in colour up away fans. The Harriers is a away fan friendly pub near the ground on The Broadway. Witton Road features some good indians for decent grub before or after the game. There's also some take aways surrounding the ground on on Aston Lane and Manor Road.

Team news

Reading - from: Whitehead, Murty, Williams, Whitbread, Robinson, Harper, Parkinson, A Smith, Jones, Igoe, Forster, Butler, Cureton, Henderson, Viveash.

Aston Villa - from: Schmeichel, Delaney, Staunton, Alpay, Wright, Hendrie, Boateng, Hadji, Kachloul, Samuel, Vassell, Angel, Dublin, Enckelman, Ginola, Balaban.

Form Guide

Reading:
View Latest Second Division Table And Form Table

Aston Villa:
Aston Villa are currently fourth in the Premiership table with their league form looking good. In the UEFA cup they were beaten at home by Varteks. Reason for a glimmer of home for Reading fans?
Last five games:
19 Sep 2001: Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0 (Premiership) D
20 Sep 2001: Aston Villa 2 Varteks 3 (UEFA Cup) L
24 Sep 2001: Southampton 1 Aston Villa 3 (Premiership) W
27 Sep 2001: Cup Varteks 0 Aston Villa 1 (UEFA Cup) W
30 Sep 2001: Aston Villa 2 Blackburn 0 (Premiership) W

Previous Meetings 

Aston Villa have an impressive record against the Royals in our few meetings.
Reading wins:
1
Draws: 2
Aston Villa wins: 8
Figures include League, FA Cup and League Cup only.

Recent meetings
Since 1980 we've met Villa four times earning a draw at home, and losing both games away. At Villa Park we've been beaten every time since we drew in the second round of the FA Cup in 1912. We won the replay at home that season.

1987/1988 Season
Reading 0 Aston Villa 2 (Division Two old)
Aston Villa 2 Reading 1 (Division Two old)

1986/1987 Season
Aston Villa 4 Reading 1 (League Cup)
Reading 1 Aston Villa 1 (League Cup)

Match Odds

Available at William Hill:
It's no suprise to see Aston Villa as firm favourites to beat Reading.
Reading win:
Draw:
Aston Villa win:

Predictions If we do well then we'll suffer a narrow defeat.
It's going to be all about playing for pride.
What do you think?
You can enter your Prediction on-line within the Hob Nob Anyone? Prediction League
Opposition Site The Villa Web
Decent unofficial Villa website:
http://www.villa.org.uk/

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