Charlton v Reading preview

By Rob Virtue on August 22, 2008 3:54 PM |

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NEWLY-RELEGATED Reading are heading to The Valley on Saturday for a lunchtime kick off against Alan Pardew's former side.

Pardew is not expecting a good reception from the team he left West Ham for in 2003, but said he is just hoping Charlton will edge what promises to be a tough battle.

Pardew said: "There's going to be two high tempo sides and I think it will make for a good spectacle. We play a similar game but hopefully we will be victors."

Darren Ambrose and Svetoslav Todorov both played for the reserves in mid-week but Pardew ruled out them playing against Reading.

Kelly Youga is suspended and Grant Basey will cover at left back.

Therry Racon is out for around three months with a broken metatarsal but Pardew believes he has enough midfielders to cover for him. Matt Holland or Jonjo Shelvey will deputise.

Pardew will be hoping for a good win at the weekend, before hopefully making one or two signings next week.

Reading bring a strong squad with Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann all likely to appear for an experienced team.