Reading v Burnley

[kennethlindheim]

The prestige of the FA Cup will be in scant evidence at The Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Reading boss Steve Coppell prepares to rest a host of first-team players for the visit of Burnley.

Coppell has made no secret of the fact that Premiership survival is his only concern this season and as a result will stick to his policy of fielding a weakened side in cup competition.

Fringe players such as Ulises de la Cruz, Sam Sodje, Andre Bikey, John Oster and Shane Long will all be hoping for starts, whilst goalkeeper Adam Federici will make his first team debut for the visit of the Championship side.

Skipper Graeme Murty (groin) and Ibrahima Sonko (hip) are both ruled out through injury to leave Coppell's defensive options restricted.

However, the cup clash could witness the return to fitness of striker Dave Kitson after a succession of injuries that have kept him sidelined since the first game of the season.

United States international Bobby Convey could also return after undergoing surgery to clean up his knee.

Steve Cotterill's side may give another debut to Ade Akinbiyi after the striker rejoined Burnley from Sheffield United after the opening of the transfer window.

The Championship club have defender Michael Duff suspended, whilst Frank Sinclair is also a doubt after a slow recovery from a groin problem.

Goalkeeper Danny Coyne (hamstring) and star striker Andy Gray (foot) remain in the treatment room.

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World