Trip to Newcastle

I woke up this morning with a slight spring in my step and thrill of football fever.

A trip to the Loony Toons awaits Reading and us loyal royals. The hotel is booked, the transport is ready and the beer’s are in the fridge so it’s set to be a spectacular weekend.

The last journey up there I endured delayed trains, rain and a comprehensive 3-0 defeat courtesy of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, and Mark Viduka under the leadership of Kevin Keegan. How times have changed?

From that starting XI for Reading only four remain, but only two can possibly feature this Saturday, which may be a concern. Andre Bikey is suspended for his foolish outburst at Burnley last season; Ivar Ingimarsson is injured so that leaves Liam Rosenior and James Harper who had played at St James’ Park. The fifth member could had been Stephen Hunt but he has now gladly got his wishes and entered the gateway of Hull.

The concern for the game is that our young players could become fazed with all of the attention and emotion surrounding the hysteria at Newcastle. Alternatively, on the other hand, they will relish the opportunity, perform above expectations, and record a famous win. I do hope it is the latter.

Newcastle has been a delicate place for the last few years and it’s been nothing short of a drama starring Robson Green, but Reading have the chance to lay down their early season credentials showing the league that they will not settle for mid-table.

It is anyone’s guess what the outcome will be. Nonetheless, with a little bit of optimism, Newcastle are there for the taking and, although it will be an emotional first competitive match since the death of Sir Bobby Robson, Reading will be a little too wise for the home side as they can dictate the pace play the way they want too.

On paper Newcastle should walk all over the Royals with players at their disposal: Nicky Butt, Steve Taylor, Damien Duff, Steve Harper, Fabricio Coloccini, Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Geremi, Jonas Gutierrez are all Premier League class but Reading will have the expertise to make them struggle in a new climate and we’ll give them a true welcoming to the Championship.

So Reading’s youngsters have the chance the portray their talents in front of the Sky Sports cameras, I do hope they put on a great show.

Prediction: Newcastle 0 – 3 Reading