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Getting to the 3rd round hasn't happened since 1978 - the famous year that top flight opposition in the shape of Tottenham were beaten in a replay after the opening game had been drawn at the Vetch. That game will be remembered for 'that' tackle by Smith on Ardilies - "Welcome to Wales" I think it was - or something like that.

From those stats, it's fair to say that Swansea and the League Cup haven't exactly enjoyed a long love affair full of great nights and memorable matches. Famous memories in the League Cup stretch back probably to that Tottenham game as the last memorable one - athough Spurs again were beaten at the Vetch back in 1991 but only in a first leg game - the Swans crashed out over two legs that time around.

And with Reading arriving it is the first time Premiership opposition have been to the Liberty Stadium for a competitive match - previous visits from Fulham and Blackburn have both been for friendlies. And it becomes almost a meeting of old friends as the third tie between the two sides in so many years in both the FA Cup and League Cup. Reading triumphed on both previous occasions - in extra time of a replay in the FA Cup and in extra time again in the League Cup.

There promises to be a decent sized crowd for the game - around 12000 are expected - which will compare more than favourably against attendances elsewhere and, maybe surprisingly, Reading are reported to be bringing a travelling support close on 1000 people.

Team news wise, Roberto will against be without Marcos Painter meaning that Kevin Austin is likely to deputise at full back whilst Alan Tate is unlikely to have fully recovered from his injury to start the game. Ferrie Bodde could be available for selection but I believe there is a chance that Roberto will again plunge Joe Allen into the action at the start of the game. It's tough to know how much 'first choice' there will be about the side although I guess we may see more depth on the bench with some of Saturday's starters likely to be there. As I said, it's tough to call but I think it will look something like this

Doris

Rangel Monk Lawrence Austin

Britton Allen KOL Robbo

Bussy Duffy/Craney

There is no insider knowledge around that line up just a guess of what Roberto may do so expect it to be very wide of the mark.....!

For Reading, it is reported that both Dave Kitson and Leroy Lita may well start although their fans believe that Lita is more likely to be on the bench with Shane Long partnering Kitson up front. How much importance Reading will place on the Carling Cup will be judged by the rest of their line up - it seems to have become more traditional for sides in this competition to field second string - laughably even clubs in League Two do it at times.

I personally believe that the way we are playing we have a great chance of that upset tomorrow night and progression into Round 3 - the promised Land when the big guns join. I see no reason for us to be afraid of Reading and, on that basis, this could be the first night of cup glory that the Liberty Stadium could see. Let's hope so anyway

To unfamiliar territory and beyond.......

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