Leeds V Reading at Elland Road : Match Preview

10 March 2014 17:31
Leeds V Reading - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Pearce could return for Leeds

Leeds defender Jason Pearce could return to the starting line-up against boss Brian McDermott's former club Reading.


Pearce had played every minute of every game this season before missing Saturday's 5-1 home defeat to Bolton due to the birth of his first child.


McDermott has confirmed there will be changes with defender Sam Byram, plus midfielders Alex Mowatt and Michael Brown among those pushing for recalls to the starting line-up.


Paddy Kenny (ankle) remains sidelined so Jack Butland, on loan from Stoke, will resume in goal as Leeds bid for their first win in five league matches.


Reading duo Danny Williams and Pavel Pogrebnyak face fitness tests ahead of the trip.


Midfielder Williams missed Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton after returning from international duty with the USA with a swollen knee, and striker Pogrebnyak also sat out due to an ankle problem.


Boss Nigel Adkins started with Kaspars Gorkss and Garath McCleary on the bench following their exertions with their countries in the week, so they could return to the starting line-up.


Defenders Wayne Bridge and Sean Morrison (both knee) are close to returning but might not be risked just yet while midfielder Mikele Leigertwood (ankle), striker Jason Roberts (hip) and winger Jem Karacan (cruciate) remain sidelined.


Source: PA