Manchester United will be the overwhelming favorites to take all three points against a Reading side still struggling to adapt to the rigors of the English Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson will again rely on his team's attacking prowess, after the defense came to the fore in the midweek game against West Ham, when the Red Devils eked out a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Robin Van Persie.
The arrival of Van Persie to United, however, has seen Wayne Rooney shifted to a deeper role, which in turn has seen his goal rate come down considerably. Ferguson, though, is confident the England international will be back among the goals soon.
"Wayne is going through a period like all strikers do," Ferguson said. "He is not scoring. It will change once he starts to score reasonably regularly. Then it will become better for him. Also, he has missed bits of games.
"He has been off with tonsillitis. Wayne is the type of player who can't miss games. He needs to play all the time. I am happy with that part of his game (assisting goals), that is fine. If he can contribute to the team's success, then fine. But we would obviously like him to score more.
"With Robin coming, without doubt he is an up-front player. There is no question about that. He has experience and now our players are starting to realise how good he is. Hopefully that understanding gets better.
"There were some games where the way we kept possession was middle to wide, to middle to wide, without using the frontal area. We are getting more aware of the runs he's making and his movement up front."
United will be without wingers Nani and Antonio Valencia, while Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs return from suspension and injury respectively.
Reading are still without the services of Alex McCarthy and Jem Karacan, while Jimmy Kebe is doubtful. Danny Guthrie, though, could make a return to the squad following a thigh problem.
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Expected lineups: Reading: Federici; Cummings, Morrison, Mariappa, Shorey; Leigertwood, Tabb, Robson-Kanu, McAnuff; Roberts, Le Fondre.
Man United: Lindegaard; Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Anderson, Young, Welbeck; Rooney, Van Persie.
Prediction: 3-0 to United
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