Reading v Cardiff. FA Cup preview

Last updated : 25 January 2020 By Michael Morris

The FA Cup 4th round. Saturday 25th January, ko 3:00pm.

Reading have no fresh injury concerns ahead of hosting Championship rivals Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round at the Madejski Stadium.

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It is the Royals' third game in seven days, following a defeat at Millwall and draw at Nottingham Forest, so manager Mark Bowen could be tempted to rotate.

Bowen said: "Whatever team is out on the pitch, believe me, the players and staff will be wanting to win. We want to progress in the cup, and I think it's important for the club and the fans as well."

Cardiff rotated heavily in the previous round, which required a thrilling replay to overcome Carlisle 4-3 at Brunton Park.

The Bluebirds are without Danny Ward after the striker was forced off with a head injury at Birmingham last weekend, while Lee Peltier (dead leg) is also unlikely to feature.

Opta Stats:

  • Reading and Cardiff's last FA Cup meeting was in the fourth round back in 2014-15, with the Royals winning 2-1 under Steve Clarke.
  • Cardiff have won two of their last 13 away games against Reading in all competitions (W2 D6 L5) and are winless in five visits (D3 L2).
  • Since reaching at least the FA Cup fifth round in five out of seven seasons between 2009-10 and 2015-16, Reading have failed to go beyond the fourth round in any of their last three seasons in the competition.
  • Cardiff have reached the FA Cup fifth round in just two of their previous 11 seasons since losing the 2008 final against Portsmouth.
  • Reading have won six of their last eight home FA Cup matches (W6 D1 L1), including two home FA Cup fourth round wins in that run (4-0 vs Sheffield United in 2012-13, 4-0 vs Walsall in 2015-16).

 

Match officials:

Referee: Marc Edwards
Assistant Referees: Nigel Lugg & Craig Taylor
Fourth Official: Ollie Yates