Megson calls psychology into play
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Your support makes all the difference.Managers are used to checking the queue outside the physio's room after players return from international duty but Gary Megson has other matters on his mind before West Bromwich Albion's match with Reading today - namely the minds of his players.
The Albion manager Megson wants to assess the mood of the Welsh duo Jason Koumas and Andy Johnson before naming his team to face the Royals this evening, aware that the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Euro 2004 finals may have inflicted a psychological injury even if there are no physical scars.
"Andy came back with a knock on his calf, in fact," Megson said. "But for the two of them, picking themselves up mentally might be more of a problem as Wednesday night is bound to have been a massive disappointment for them.
"We'll see how they are and then make a decision based on the knowledge of what happened the last time they were away with Wales." The leaders lost at home to Sheffield United after the last international break in October and Megson is keen not to suffer a repeat. Albion will need to be at their sharpest against Reading, who have won six matches from eight since Steve Coppell succeeded Alan Pardew as manager, including victories over Wigan and Sheffield United.
Second-placed Sheffield United travel to Ipswich with their sights on regaining top place should West Bromwich slip up, although Ipwich have the incentive of cutting the gap between themselves and United to three points. Ipswich have lost their leading scorer Pablo Couñago to injury but the manager Joe Royle is concerned about matters at the other end after leaking 10 goals in the last four games.
Norwich, level on points with Sheffield United, will be eager to make swift amends after the loss of their 100 per cent home record against Watford wasted an opportunity to go top. Opponents Preston, however, have won six of their last seven at Deepdale.
The chances of Norwich being able to turn Darren Huckerby's loan from Manchester City into a permanent signing look slim, which may be to the advantage of fourth-placed Wigan as the chairman Dave Whelan looks to strengthen Paul Jewell's squad. Reports from Lancashire suggest a £1m fee for Huckerby is within Whelan's budget.
Wigan are at home to Nottingham Forest this afternoon while Sunderland, a point behind them in fifth, go to Crewe with an impressive run of only one defeat in 11 but concerns over scoring goals, having managed only five in their last eight games.
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