Reading vs West Brom preview: Will West Brom be able to avenge their FA Cup Third Round defeat?

A look ahead to the FA Cup fixture at Madejski Stadium

Jake Cooper in action against Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

It’s a big game for…

Jake Cooper: The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances at the club this season and signed a new contract in October. He has been receiving great reviews of his performances lately and hopes to help the Royals to deliver an FA Cup upset against West Brom. He will need to be on form to stop Jonas Olsson through on goal and will look to last season’s FA cup run for confidence.

Best stat…

Three victories: Out of the five ties the sides have faced one another in the competition Reading have won three times against the Baggies. The Royals came out on top with a 1-0 victory at the Madejski last time round in 2011. Can they cause another upset in this competition?

Remember when…

In the third round replay in January 2006, Reading went 2-0 down before the break but made an unforgettable comeback in the second half to win 3-2. It was arguably Leroy Lita’s finest hour for the Royals scoring a hat-trick to seal the victory.

Player to watch…

Craig Dawson: The 25-year-old has just signed a one-year extension with the club keeping him at the Hawthorns until 2018. Having made 97 appearances and scoring four goals he remains a vital part in the Baggies defence. He could be the key player to stop Reading in their tracks and send his team through to the Sixth Round of the FA Cup.

Past three-meetings…

Reading 3 (Kebe, Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak) West Brom 0, Premier League, January 2013

West Brom 1 (Lukaku) Reading 0, Premier League, September 2012

Reading 1 (Long) West Brom 0, FA Cup, January 2011

Form guide…

Reading: DDLWDW

West Brom: WWLDDD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3PM

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 22:35pm