Reading 2-4 Liverpool [Carling Cup] - TalkSoccer

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-09-2007, 10:35 AM

Royals struggle shocks Benitez

Quote:

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is surprised by Reading's rocky start to the season as he looks towards Tuesday's Carling Cup third-round tie.

The Reds boss still expects a tough task against the Berkshire side in Tuesday night's Carling Cup third-round tie at the Madejski Stadium.

Benitez is expected to field a side of youngsters and senior squad fringe players, with teenage centre-back Jack Hobbs and new French goalkeeper Charles Itandje making their debuts.

Benitez says: "Reading will give us a hard game, I am sure of that.

"But I have been surprised that Reading have not started the season as well as they played last season.

"I do not understand why. Last season they were really good, they knew what to do and with the same manager for some time, it clearly worked for them.

"It is strange that after one season the team are not playing as well and getting results, it is strange.

"I do not believe in what is called a second season problem after promotion. It depends on the players you have, nothing more. And they did a very good job last season."

Benitez will want to utilise several fringe players at Reading, but will not want to weaken the side to the extent that he could gift the tie to the Berkshire club.

The Spaniard will want to use this competition to keep players involved and try out several youngsters.

It is also expected that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will figure in the tie, as well as winger Sebastian Leto.

The likes of Moroccan midfielder Nabil El Zhar, fit-again Fabio Aurelio and young defender Emiliano Insua could also be involved.

Benitez is also expected to include Yossi Benayoun, who missed Saturday's goalless draw with Birmingham because of the Jewish day of atonement.

Peter Crouch and even Fernando Torres, both on the bench against Birmingham, could also play.

Benitez said: "For some of the players who are not playing too much in the Premier League or the Champions League, this will be an important competition for them.

"It is a trophy I would be happy to win, the first season I was here we got to the final. I would like to be in the final again.

"Some of the senior players will have to play against Reading, I will not change the whole team. It depends on who is available and what cover we have in certain positions.

"But I would hope to give players who are not playing regularly in the Premier League the chance to play."

Benitez added: "It is clear, though, that with a big squad we need to see some of the other players.

"They must be involved because you cannot have them in the squad and then tell them you will not use them in any game.

"If we stay in the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, the Premier League and the Champions League they will obviously have more chances to play."

Fox Sports

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-09-2007, 08:34 PM

Jermaine Pennant and Javier Mascherano is both fit after they picked up injuries against Birmingham.

NJ10 · 24-09-2007, 10:30 PM

tough team to pick

--------------Itandje---------

Hobbs-Insua-Hyypia-Aurelio

Benayoun-Sissoko-Lucas-Leto

-----------Crouch- Torres-------

??????

nasty looking defence!

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 25-09-2007, 09:29 AM

The team could be something like this:

Itandje; Darby, Arbeloa/Carragher, Hobbs, Aurelio/Insua; Benayoun, Sissoko, Lucas, Leto/Aurelio; Crouch, Torres.

Reading have a good chance to go through to next round. Gerrard will start on the bench.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 25-09-2007, 12:44 PM

Match preview

Quote:

Reading host Liverpool in the Carling Cup third round with both sides hunting the win for varying reasons.

The Royals have endured a disappointing start to the season, where they have recorded only two wins from seven league games, and they will be hoping to kick start their campaign.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have drawn their last three games - against Porto in the UEFA Champions League, and Portsmouth and Birmingham in the Premier League - and will be keen for a return to winning ways.

Reading manager Steve Coppell looks set to make sweeping changes to his first XI in a bid to freshen up his side.

Leroy Lita, who has been the subject of recent newspaper allegations, has been assured of a starting place after being omitted from the Reading squad which recorded a 2-1 win over Wigan at the weekend.

Adam Federici, Ulises de la Cruz, Scott Golbourne, Andre Bikey, Emerse Fae, Bobby Convey and Shane Long are also expected to start after missing out against the Latics, while James Henry is likely to be on the bench.

Debut

Kalifa Cisse has recovered from a slight knee injury and could also be a substitute.

Peter Mate (hamstring) and Glen Little (Achilles) are unavailable, while Ibrahima Sonko will not be risked despite recently making his comeback from a knee injury in the reserves.

Liverpool could hand debuts to goalkeeper Charles Itandje and 19-year-old defender Jack Hobbs in a much changed line-up.

Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have also been included in the squad, but the star trio are unlikely to feature.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is expected to play some part in the tie, as well as wingers Nabil El Zhar and Sebastian Leto.

Fit-again Fabio Aurelio - who ruptured his Achilles tendon at the end of last season - and young defender Emiliano Insua could also be involved, while Yossi Benayoun is expected to start after the Israeli missed Saturday's meeting with Birmingham.

Skysports

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 25-09-2007, 06:36 PM

Reading Team:
Federici, de la Cruz, Shorey, Bikey, Duberry, Fae, Halls, Harper, Convey, Long, Lita

Liverpool Team:
Itandje; Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Aurelio; Benayoun, Sissoko, Lucas, Leto; Torres, Crouch