FA CUP MATCH PREVIEW: READING V BURNLEY

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Clarets kickstart Emirates FA Cup campaign in Berkshire

2025-01-10T20:00:00.000Z

FA CUP MATCH PREVIEW: READING V BURNLEY

Clarets kickstart Emirates FA Cup campaign in Berkshire

2025-01-10T20:00:00.000Z

Clarets kickstart Emirates FA Cup campaign in Berkshire

Burnley begin their Emirates FA Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon (3pm), as the Clarets take on Sky Bet League One side Reading in the third round of the competition.

Scott Parker's side head to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in fine form on a 13 match unbeaten run and the team will be aiming to continue that this weekend.

The Clarets last faced the Royals in April 2023 in a goalless draw, with the two teams last meeting in the FA Cup nearly 15 years to the day in 2010.

Reading defeated Fleetwood Town and Harborough Town on their way to the third round, with Noel Hunt's side currently sat 6th in the League One table.

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How to watch

Saturday's game will not be streamed but live audio commentary will be available via Clarets+ from 2:45pm on the day.

Full match highlights, goals and interviews will be available to view after the match on Clarets+ and across all social media channels.

Click here to view all our Clarets+ packages.

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In the dugout

After an impressive playing career with the likes of Dundee United, Reading, Leeds United and Portsmouth, Noel Hunt's first role in coaching came in 2018, after the former striker was appointed as assistant manager of Swindon Town alongside Richie Wellens.

Two years later, Hunt was appointed caretaker boss of the Robins after Wellens' departure and the Irishman took charge of two games before departing a month later.

May 2021 saw Hunt back in coaching, as the former Ireland forward joined up with Wellens at Doncaster Rovers, but departed six months later.

Hunt re-joined Reading in February 2022 as a coach within the academy and following the dismissal of Paul Ince in April 2023, he became Reading's interim manager.

Rubén Selles was then appointed in the summer of 2023 to take charge of the Royals, but after the Portuguese's departure prior to Christmas, Hunt was announced as first team manager of Reading.

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Last time we met

15/04/2023 - Reading 0 - 0 Burnley (Select Car Leasing Stadium)

Burnley: Peacock-Farrell, Roberts, Beyer, Al-Dakhil, Taylor, Cullen, Gudmundsson (Cork 64), Benson, Twine (Zaroury 80), Foster (Barnes 80), Tella (Churlinov 18)

Unused Substitutes: Muric, Vitinho, Bastien

Reading: Lumley, Holmes, Hendrick, Joao, Azeez (Camara 77), Yiadom ©, Guinness-Walker (Mbengue 77), Fornah, Casadei, Sarr, Ehibhatiomhan (Carroll 62)

Unused Substitutes: Boyce-Clarke, Dann, Loum, Abreefa

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What Scott Parker said

"I remember being a kid and the FA Cup finals, watching the team buses drive from the hotels to Wembley and all the fans on Wembley way.

"It was the whole day, the occasion and it really is a special and iconic competition. I have a few memories of playing in certain games, one of those in the semi-final with Spurs against Chelsea, although we lost it was still an amazing occasion to be involved in.

"There's massive memories of it all when you look back at some of the games I've watched growing up and then played in. It's a competition I love really.

"It's an opportunity to get some gametime into some players, a chance for some of the lads to get up to speed, step-up match fitness and get some minutes in the legs.

"It's a good game for us, they will be a challenging side and we know they will be well up for it. We will need to be at our best, but we're looking forward to it and it fits perfect in our schedule after the busy Christmas period."