Reading return to Oxford tomorrow as, for the second season running, they face United in the Carling Cup. Last season the Royals won 3-1, Oxford’s goal heralding a return to the team for Jefferson Louis. Louis is unlikely to feature tomorrow evening, although United will certainly have to make a number of changes following their bruising encounter with Orient last Saturday.

Definitely out are midfielders Chris Hackett and Barry Quinn, both of whom suffered ligament damage on Saturday: Quinn to his ankle and Hackett to his knee. Also doubtful are right-back David Mackay, who suffered a tightened hamstring, and midfielder Paul Wanless, whose neck suffered some damage. With Mark Rawle, David Woozley, Michael Alexis, and Mark E’Beyer also still not ready to return, this leaves Graham Rix’s squad pretty stretched. Lee Molyneaux will almost certainly replace Mackay, while Tom Winters, Danny Morgan, and even Jamie Brooks could possibly feature.

Reading will have Glen Little fit again, and could possibly give first games of the season to Shaun Goater, Lloyd Owusu, and Imbrahima Sonko. Like last season, Reading are likely to prove too strong for a weakened United, and Rage Online wouldn’t be surprised to see a repeat of last season’s 3-1 scoreline.