Reading vs Crystal Palace preview: Alan Pardew looks for FA Cup respite from Premier League woe

A look ahead to the FA Cup fixture at the Madejski Stadium

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew looks on disappointed during his side's defeat (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Wayne Hennessey: The Welshman is expected to return in goal for Palace on Friday night having missed the Liverpool game through injury.

Palace’s number two, Alex McCarthy stepped into replace Hennessey at the weekend and was culpable for the red’s equaliser as his slip gifted possession to Roberto Firmino who converted past the beleaguered keeper.

Despite McCarthy’s poor performance, Hennessey’s place in Palace’s goal is far from secure, his form has been patchy at best this season and with fan-favourite and club-legend Julian Speroni waiting in the wings, Hennessey needs to show some improvement to keep his place between now and the end of the season.

Weird /best stat…

3: The last three fixtures between these two sides have ended in a draw so don’t be surprised if this tie ends up in a replay at Selhurst Park.

Remember when…

With a party atmosphere at the Madejski, Reading secured a 2-2 to wrap up the Championship title back in April 2012.

Player to watch…

Matej Vydra: With six goals, including a hat-trick against Huddersfield, Reading’s on-loan Czech striker is the top-scorer in this season’s FA cup. Crystal Palace’s defence has struggled of late, conceding seven goals in their last three games.

Given Palace’s defensive woes, Vydra will fancy his chances of adding to his FA Cup tally and booking his side a trip to Wembley.

Past three-meetings…

Reading 2 (Zaha, Murray) Crystal Palace 2 (Gorkss, Le Fondre), Championship, April 2012

Crystal Palace 0 Reading 0, Championship, October 2011

Crystal Palace 3 (Ambrose, Dann, Easter) Reading 3 (Long, Kebe, Hunt), Championship, February 2011

Form guide…

Reading: DWWWDL

Crystal Palace: DLWLDL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 19:55

TV: Live on BBC One 19:30