Premier League preview: Reading v Newcastle United

Reading must hit their straps in the English Premier League as soon as possible, starting with Newcastle’s visit to Madejski Stadium.

Reading manager Brian McDermott has overseen his promoted side collect a lone point in four matches so far this season, to occupy bottom spot of the league, although they have a game in hand on their nearby rivals.

McDermott’s side have managed to score in three of their four league outings but a leaky defence – with nine goals conceded – has cost them early season results.

And Newcastle are not exactly a defensive-minded side – with weaponry such as Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse up front, the visitors are likely to target all three points from their trip to Berkshire.

And in good news for Alan Pardew’s men, they could have a couple of handy inclusions to their defensive structure – namely full-back Danny Simpson and first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul, with the pair attempting to return from hamstring and elbow injuries respectively.

Pardew revealed the pair would train during the week, but their inclusion in the match-day squad remains in doubt.

“Danny will train Thursday or Friday all being well. Tim is looking for the all clear on Wednesday to start back,” Pardew told the Evening Chronicle.

The possible inclusions are a further boost to Pardew’s stocks, after midfielder Cheick Tiote and captain Fabricio Coloccini both returned to the side via their League Cup loss to Manchester United on Wednesday, while midfielder Ryan Taylor is sidelined long term by a knee injury.

Reading will be without goalkeeper Adam Federici indefinitely – also to a knee injury – meaning Alex McCarthy will be in between the posts for the hosts.

Jimmy Kebe returned to the Reading line-up in their League Cup triumph over Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, putting the midfielder in the mix for his first Premier League outing since the club was in the top flight in the 2007/08 season.

Striker Jason Roberts remains sidelined by a calf injury, and is expected to miss Newcastle’s visit.

The last time the two sides met at the venue, both were in the Championship, with Newcastle 2-1 victors.

The Tyneside club have won their past three against Reading, scoring eight goals in the process, with Reading’s most recent clean sheet against Newcastle coming in May 2007.