Walsall captain Paul Merson will undergo a fitness test this afternoon before manager Colin Lee selects his side to face Reading. Merson picked-up a groin injury in training last week and missed Saturday's defeat at Sunderland. Walsall's other veteran midfielder Vinny Samway's is back after suspension though and is expected to return to the side. Central defender Ian Roper is pushing for a return to the starting line-up. He was on the bench for Saturday's game and could replace Danny Hay. On-loan defender Jamie Vincent is expected to retain his place. Reading defender John Mackie is ruled out of this game. He had a knee operation at the weekend. Former loan target Darius Henderson and midfielder Andy Hughes are both sidlined for tonight's match. Reading (possible) line-up (4-4-2): Hahnemann; Williams, Brown, Shorey, Newman; Murray, Sidwell, Harper, Solako; Forster, Goater. Subs: Ashdown, Murty, Savage, Watson, Tyson. Walsall (possible) line-up (4-4-1-1): Walker; Baird, Roper, Ritchie, Vincent; O'Neil, Osborn, Samways, Bazeley; Merson; Birch. Subs: Kerr, Hay, Emblen, Corica, Leitao. |