- Jul 27, 2004
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A replay we could have done without considering our busy fixture list. Hopefully Reading will put their second string again and we will hopefully coast past them with ease.
The Official Site Team News:
Jermaine Jenas returns but Darren Bent is unlikely to make it back in time for tonight's FA Cup replay at Reading.
The striker has been out for the last couple of weeks with a knee problem and although he's close to returning to training, he's not yet deemed ready for match action.
Midfielder JJ is available after a one-match suspension for five yellow cards served at Chelsea.
Tom Huddlestone sits out the last of his three games after his red card against Reading in the initial third round tie but Didier Zokora is away on international duty.
Longer-term injuries Anthony Gardner (ankle), Gareth Bale (foot) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto remain out.
Skysports.com Preview:
Reading host Tottenham on Tuesday in their FA Cup third-round replay.
The two sides meet for the third time in less than a month and with 14 goals coming from the previous encounters - an exciting match could be anticipated.
The winner of the match already knows what lies in wait in the fourth round - a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
With Premier League survival very much the main aim for Reading this season, manager Steve Coppell is set rotate his squad.
Team news
However, with Ibrahima Sonko, Emerse Fae and Andre Bikey on African Cup of Nations duty - his options could be limited.
Michael Duberry is sidelined with a knee injury and remains out along with John Oster and Glen Little.
New Czech signing Marek Matejovsky is not registered and is therefore ineligible, as is Alan Bennett - who has returned from a loan spell at Southampton.
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is again left with the decision on whether to stick with Radek Cerny in goal or recall Paul Robinson.
Jermaine Jenas looks set to feature after he completed a one-game ban.
Interesting Stats:
Reading
Current form
Not won in five; drawn two and lost three since beating Sunderland at home 2-1 on 22 December.
Conceded 13 goals in their last four outings.
Recent FA Cup performance
Last fell at the third round hurdle in 2004.
The Manager
Steve Coppell won an FA Cup winners' medal with Manchester United in 1977.
FA Cup fact
Gone out to Premier League clubs in each of the last two years; Birmingham and Manchester United.
Spurs
Current form
No wins in four; drawn two and lost two since eclipsing Reading 6-4 in the Premier League fixture on 29 December at White Hart Lane.
Recent FA Cup performance
Quarter-finalists in three of the last six seasons, including last year.
The Manager
Juande Ramos coached Sevilla to last season's Spanish Cup.
FA Cup fact
Tottenham are the only non-league club to win the FA Cup. They lifted the trophy as a Southern League side 107 years ago, and in so doing also became the first non-leaguers to knock out the holders, defeating Bury 2-1 in the second round on 23 February 1901.
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Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, kick off is at 15:00 GMT - check [thread=25576]Geez's Media Coverage Thread[/thread] for watching and listening options.