Preview: Reading vs. Tottenham Hotspur

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 14 September 2012

Sports Mole previews Tottenham's trip to Reading, where both sides will be looking for their first victory of the Premier League season.

Andre Villas-Boas takes his Tottenham Hotspur side to Reading on Sunday seeking his first victory since being appointed White Hart Lane boss.

Despite signing France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, the Portuguese tactician has indicated that 41-year-old stopper Brad Friedel will continue between the sticks at the Madjeski Stadium following his impressive early-season form.

Another deadline-day signing, Clint Dempsey, could make his Spurs debut, with Villas-Boas likely to choose between either the American or Gylfi Sigurdsson to provide support for his lone striker.

That role could be handed to either Emmanuel Adebayor or Jermain Defoe, who has started all three of Spurs's first three games - netting once.

Moussa Dembele is almost certain to make his first start since joining from Fulham after scoring as a substitute in their 1-1 draw with Norwich City last time out.

Reading have had to wait longer than most to return to Premier League action after their fixture against Sunderland was postponed due to wet conditions.

Brian McDermott could name the same side that pushed Chelsea all the way and edged out Peterborough in the Carling Cup second round.

However, he may choose to revert back to 4-4-2, in which case Adam Le Fondre is likely to partner Pavel Pogrebnyak up front, with Jem Karacan missing out.

Garath McCleary should continue on the right wing, with Jimmy Kebe still absent with injury, while former Lillywhite Chris Gunter is in line to face his old side.

Current form:

Reading: DL
Spurs: LDD

Possible lineups:

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Gorkss, Pearce, Harte; McAnuff, Leigertwood, Guthrie, McCleary; Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak

Spurs: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Sandro, Dembele; Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale; Adebayor

Sports Mole says: 1-1