Stevenage vs Reading Match Preview
Third Round giant killers Stevenage will be in action when they play host to Championship club Reading on Saturday. League Two Stevenage beat Premier League Newcastle United 3-1 to get this far, and will be hoping to shock Reading to reach the last 16.
Reading are in the thick of a playoff chase in the Championship, but midfielder Jem Karacan insists himself and his teammates will be looking forward to the trip to Broadhall Way. “It’s not a distraction, it’s a welcome break,” Karacan told BBC Sport.
Stevenage striker Byron Harrison is unavailable, after playing in the earlier rounds of this competition for Carshalton Athletic, Norwich City loanee Luke Daley has been granted permission to play.
Stacy Long and Yemi Odubade are hoping to recovery from injury in time to play for Stevenage, while Darren Murphy and Joel Byrom are both sidelined with injury.
Reading will be boosted by the return of Noel Hunt and Michail Antonio, while Alex Pearce and Brian Howard are doubtful with injury. Mathieu Manset, Brett Williams and Sean Morrison are all cup-tied and unavailable for the Royals.