Newcastle United v Reading: Squad sheets - The Guardian

Alan Pardew and Brian McDermott once worked together at Reading where Pardew, then the Berkshire club's manager, made McDermott his chief scout. "Alan paid me about £2.50 an hour, so he got his money's worth," joked McDermott who, having graduated to his mentor's old job, now brings Reading to Tyneside for what Pardew has dubbed "a relegation six-pointer". Danny Guthrie, formerly of Newcastle, will be anxious to prove a point in visiting colours. Pardew, meanwhile, says he "loves Brian to bits" but such affection could be tested should Reading depart with a point or three. Louise Taylor

Venue St James' Park, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £26-51 (0844 372 1892)

Last season n/a

Referee Andre Marriner

This season's matches 13 Y44, R0, 3.38 cards per game

Odds Newcastle 5-6 Reading 7-2 Draw 11-4

Newcastle United v Reading: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Newcastle

Subs from Harper, Elloit, Tavernier,Williamson, Ferguson, Bigirimana, Amalfitano, Obertan, Abeid, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi, Ranger

Doubtful Cabaye (groin), S Taylor (hamstring)

Injured Ben Arfa (hamstring, Feb), R Taylor (knee, Aug), Vuckic (knee, Aug), Gosling (knee, unknown), Simpson (toe, unknown)

Unavailable Tioté (on Africa Cup of Nations duty)

Form guide DLLLWL Disciplinary record Y43 R2

Leading scorer Cissé 4

Reading

Subs from Taylor, Karacan, Pearce, Hunt, McCleary, Morrison, Tabb, Gorkss, Gunter, Robson-Kanu, Akpan, Harte, Cummings

Doubtful Leigertwood (knock)

Injured Roberts (hip, 26 Jan), McCarthy (shoulder, May)

Suspended None Form guide WLWDLL

Disciplinary record Y26 R0

Leading scorer Le Fondre 6

Match pointers

• Reading have lost every one of their seven visits to Newcastle in all competitions, conceding at least three goals in each of the past six

• Newcastle scored twice from just two shots on target in their draw at the Madejski Stadium earlier this season

• Reading have won none of their eight games against sides currently in the bottom nine

• Newcastle have conceded more headed goals (11) than any other side in the division

• Adam Le Fondre scored one goal in his first 10 games this season but has managed seven in 11 subsequent appearances in all competitions