Premier League: Reading v Newcastle match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Madejski Stadium

Alan Pardew was unpopular upon his arrival at Newcastle (GETTY IMAGES)

Reading are desperate to add to their solitary Premier League point of the season as Newcastle make the trip to the Madejski Stadium. The Royals are rock bottom in the standings as Brian McDermott’s side have only managed to collect one point in four matches so far this season, although they have a game in hand on their rivals.

After signing a new eight-year contract, Magpies boss Alan Pardew has even more to smile about as he can recall full-back Danny Simpson and first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul, with the pair returning from hamstring and elbow injuries respectively.

The possible inclusions are a further boost to Pardew's stocks, after midfielder Cheick Tiote and captain Fabricio Coloccini both returned to the side in their League Cup loss to Manchester United on Wednesday, while midfielder Ryan Taylor is still out (knee).

Jimmy Kebe was back in the Reading starting XI in their League Cup triumph over Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday; putting the midfielder in the mix for his first top-flight outing since the club was in the Premier League in 2008. Reading will be without Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici (knee) as well as striker Jason Roberts (calf).

KICK OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Reading 1 (Simpson OG) Newcastle 2 (Nolan 2), Championship, April 2010

Newcastle 3 (Ameobi 3) Reading 0, Championship, August 2009

Newcastle 3 (Martins, Viduka, Owen) Reading 0, Premier League, April 2008

STATS...

McDermott's side have managed to score in three of their four league outings but a leaky defence - with nine goals conceded - has cost them early season results

Only Sunderland (6) have fired in fewer shots on target than Reading (9) in this season’s Premier League

Alan Pardew’s first job as a permanent coach was as manager of Reading. He won 102 and lost 57 of 211 matches in charge of the Royals

Reading's most recent clean sheet against Newcastle was in May 2007

ODDS

Reading to win: 3.00

Newcastle to win: 2.30

Draw: 3.40

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.10pm