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Defender Expecting A Battle Royal
Written by Newcastle Utd
Reading remain in search of their first league win of the season - with Mike Williamson determined that it won't come on Saturday
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Reading are still searching for their first win in the Barclays Premier League since their promotion last season, and that's exactly what makes them dangerous according to Newcastle's Mike Williamson.
Last season's Championship winners have lost all three of their league fixtures since a 1-1 home draw with Stoke on the opening day and find themselves bottom of the early season table.
But they've been unlucky on occasions, particularly in their 4-2 defeat at Chelsea last month, and Williamson believes the Royals are better than their current position suggests.
Last weekend United had to work hard to beat a Norwich side also seeking a first league win, and the defender - set to keep his place at the Madejski Stadium with captain Fabricio Coloccini an injury doubt - is expecting another battle against Brian McDermott's men.
"It's going to be a tough game," the 28-year-old told nufc.co.uk ahead of the trip to Berkshire, where the Magpies will be looking to extend their unbeaten league run to four games.
"They're yet to get a win under their belt and I'm sure the manager will be working hard. They've got some good players and it's never an easy place to go down there.
"But the lads will all be up for it, I'm sure, and we'll do and do our best."
Yohan Cabaye has been ruled out with a tooth problem, which could see Cheick Tiote start his first league match since the opening game of the season.
Former Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie is in line to start for Reading having missed their midweek Capital One Cup win at Queens Park Rangers.
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