Best squad 'pound for pound'. Reading preview
Last updated : 01 February 2011 By Michael Morris
City welcome Reading to the CCS tonight and a couple of players could make their debuts. Aaron Ramsey is set to start his first game since his return to Cardiff. Arsene Wenger has not loaned him out to get fit he's loaned him out to get matches and with seven games due inside the next four weeks Ramsey will play a crucial role for Cardiff City.
We could see a new defender in action. Dekel Keinan is ready to play and could step in alongside Mark Hudson tonight.
Jones will have to make choices. Tom Heaton is likely to get the nod in goal so if Keinan does play at centre half does McNaughton go to right back and replace Quinn or do we play Kev at left back and give Naylor a rest.
Chopra and Bothroyd should be certain to play up front leaving a choice of four from Bellamy, Ramsey, Whittingham, Olofinjana, Burke and JET. With a supporting cast inc McPhail, Rae, Blake, Parkin and Gyepes - City do have strength in depth available.
The main focus tonight will be on the performance of Ramsey.
"We had an opportunity to bring Aaron in a couple of months ago but we didn't feel it was right," Dave Jones said yesterday, though he was quoted at the time as saying Arsenal didn't get back to him on the subject.
"Now he looks fit and strong. We don't have to get him fit - he gained that at Forest.
"He is here to do a job. We have brought him in to play for us. All he wants to do is play football.
"Aaron was at the height of his game when he suffered a long-term injury, but he is back and fit.
"We are hoping he is at that level again. He has such ability and it's a pleasure to work with him.
"He left Cardiff to join one of the best clubs in Europe. How do you turn that down?
"It was impossible to keep Aaron when he did leave."
City have won their last three home games in the league and tonight's match is the first of four home games this month. Keeping that winning run going is key as well look to maintain a challenge for automatic promotion.
Victory will also breed confidence ahead of the South wales derby this weekend.
Reading are not a bad side mind. Since a 3 - 1 defeat at QPR on Nov 6th they've only lost one game since, that was at Swansea on New Years Day. They will point to too many draws though with seven in the last 12 games but they have won four of the last seven games.
Their squad include Welshmen Hal Robson Kanu and Simon Church and former City player Jobi McAnuff. They are managed by another former Bluebird Brian McDermott.
Tickets are on sale until kick off time for this match.
Cardiff City v Reading.
Tuesday 7:45pm
