Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle matchfile
NEWCASTLE: Harper R Taylor S Taylor Coloccini Enrique Gutierrez Butt Smith Duff Carroll Ameobi Church Long Karacan Harper Tabb Robson-Kanu Bertrand Cisse Pearce Rosenior Federici Newcastle subs (from): Krul, Simpson, Barton, Xisco, Ranger, Geremi, LuaLua Reading subs (from): Hamer, Armstrong, Gunnarsson, Davies, Henry, Sigurdsson, Kebe NEWCASTLE: Chris Hughton has confirmed that Steve Harper has recovered from concussion and will return to the starting line-up despite Tim Kruls heroics at The Hawthorns. Nicky Butt and Danny Guthrie, however, will not be risked. The inclusion of loan signing Danny Simpson offers competition for Ryan Taylor at right back. Suspensions: None Injuries: Butt (hand), Guthrie (hamstring) Last five League games: LWLLD Next game: Sheff Wed (h), 19/8 READING: Manager Brendan Rodgers is set to return to his first-choice side after he made nine changes for the Carling Cup clash with Burton in midweek. Noel Hunt is pushing for his first start of the season but the loss of his brother Stephen to Hull City robs the Royals of their most creative player. Suspensions: Bikey (4 of 5) Injuries: Ingimarsson (knee) Last five League games: WWLWD Key player: James Harper - The former Arsenal midfielder has again been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer. Last season: n/a Head to head: Newcastle 2, Reading 2, Draw 2 Referee: Anthony Taylor (Wythenshawe) G2, Y3 R0, Ave 1.5 Last Newcastle game: n/a Its a fact: The first league meeting between these sides didnt come until 2006. Prediction: 1-1