McDermott to stay with winning formula

Reading boss Brian McDermott could stick with the same starting line-up for the third game running as they travel to face Tottenham on New Year’s Day.

The Royals have taken four points from their previous two Barclays Premier League fixtures and, despite the fixture pile-up, McDermott could keep faith with the side who have faired well of late.

Defender Sean Morrison returned to the bench for Saturday’s win over West Ham after recovering from an ankle injury, although Jason Roberts (hip) is unlikely to feature with Alex McCarthy (shoulder) a long-term absentee.

Provisional squad: Federici, Taylor, Gunter, Cummings, Gorkss, Pearce, Morrison, Mariappa, Shorey, Harte, McAnuff, Guthrie, Leigertwood, Tabb, Karacan, Kebe, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre, Hunt, Pogrebnyak.