Premier League preview: Sunderland v Reading

Reading travel to the Stadium of Light for the first time since Sunderland’s promotion to the English Premier League in 2007.

Sunderland hosted Reading in September 2007 following their return to the top flight after Roy Keane guided the club to an unbeaten run of 17 games and top spot in the Championship.

Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace found the back of the net in a 2-1 victory on a day Sunderland paid tribute to club legend Ian Porterfield, who had passed away a week earlier.

Since that memorable day almost five years ago, Sunderland has new owners and a new manager in Martin O’Neil.

The former Aston Villa and Celtic manager was given the task of reinvigorating the club’s fortunes in December last year and his team’s campaign got off to a promising start with a goalless draw at Arsenal on the opening day.

New signing Carlos Cuellar was a standout performer on his debut and the Spaniard believes his team can mix it with the best on their day.

“It’s very important to start well because you realise you are a strong team, have quality players and you can beat anyone,” the ex-Aston Villa defender said.

“To play against Arsenal, one of the top teams and favourites to reach the top four, and get a point a point with chances to score, it’s a good game to build your confidence.

“If you’re working and doing your job properly, you can get a result against anybody.”

As for Reading, they have endured a mixed start upon their return to the big time.

The newly promoted outfit salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke on the opening day before losing to Chelsea 4-2 midweek.

Fernando Torres scored the decisive third goal, which seemed to be from an offside position, but despite the decision and result, McDermott could not be prouder of his players.

“We felt there was something for us at 2-2 and we could have got another goal,” he said. “I certainly don’t feel we deserved to lose the game.

“What you have to do is move on very quickly. I thought it was a great game. We’ve come to the European champions and put on a real performance and it shows we deserve to be here.

“We’re trying our best to play the best football we possibly can. I told myself when I took this job we’d try and win games.”