Reading vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool are in the South to take on relegation-threatened Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Reds head into the game sitting in seventh position in the Premier League table after last weeks disappointing 0-0 draw with West Ham at Anfield left them three points adrift of rivals Everton in sixth.

Champions League qualification looks beyond Brendan Rodgers side this season as they trail the top-four by nine points but the fight is very much on to qualify for the Europa League.

The hosts on the other hand are rock bottom of the table, a full eight points from safety with just six games remaining, so new boss Nigel Adkins has a huge job on his hands to keep the club in the top flight this season.

The Royals have lost their last seven league games on the bounce but Adkins insists he’s still confident his team can pull off a miraculous escape.

Team News

Reading will once again be without winger Jimmy Kebe who’s missing with a groin problem. Midfielder Hope Akpan is also likely to miss the clash because of an ankle injury picked up in last weeks 2-0 defeat to Southampton.

Striker Jason Roberts remains on the sidelines with a thigh strain meaning Adam Le Fondre is expected to continue alongside Pavel Pogrebnyak in attack.

Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Stewart Downing with the winger a slight doubt after being struck down with illness. Rodgers has hinted he’ll be available but the Reds boss may opt to give Daniel Sturridge a start after keeping him on the bench in recent games.

Raheem Sterling is certain to miss out with a thigh injury and he joins Fabio Borini, Martin Kelly and Joe Allen on the sidelines.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool are in inconsistent form of late but have scored in each of their last 10 away league games and won four of their previous five against Reading. The hosts are almost certain to go down to the Championship and I think another defeat here will be the final nail in their coffin. Reading 0-2 Liverpool

What would be your starting line-up for the game and whats your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.