The pre-match thoughts of United manager Glenn Roeder and Reading boss Steve Coppell ahead of tonight’s clash between the two clubs at St. James’ Park:

Glenn Roeder:

“We’re going into the Reading game full of confidence, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be.

“We have had some good results in November, not just the draw in Frankfurt last week. I think we’re unbeaten for about six games, so it’s a nice little run we’re on.

“We know we have got to find those three points from the Reading game.

“I thought, without doubt, that Reading would do the best of the three teams that got promoted.

“They ran away with the Championship last season, they broke the record for the number of points gathered, so I am not totally surprised to see them doing well this season.

“They have been reasonably fortunate in terms of their injury list, and I think Steve Coppell has had a pretty settled side so far.

“They are very organised, and very hard working, but that wouldn’t be doing them justice if that was all you had to say about them.

“They have some very talented players in their side, and they have proved and shown already this season that they are more than capable of producing good performances in the Premiership.”

Steve Coppell:

“What their injury status is at the moment I don’t know - but I do know they will have quite a few out. But maybe it won’t be as many as in recent games.

“Who are we to say that whatever team they are going to put out will not be as strong as it might otherwise have been? We have no right to say that kind of thing.

“We have proven nothing yet, and this is a brand new occasion for us.

“I watched their game with Portsmouth, and the adage is that you are only as good as your last game in football.

“So after that one and the latest European result, maybe their ills are behind them and they are on the front foot now.”