Crystal Palace to play Reading in FA Cup quarter-final

Crystal Palace have been handed a favourable tie against Sky Bet Championship side Reading in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.

Alan Pardew will get the chance to face his former club thanks to a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the last-16, which followed successes over Southampton and Stoke City in the previous rounds. Palace had previously not reached an FA Cup quarter-final since 1995 where they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually winning 4-1 with the help of a replay. The Eagles eventually lost in the semi-final that year to Manchester United - once again after a replay.

Reading win overshadowed by coin controversy

Brian McDermott’s Reading side recorded a fantastic 3-1 win against former Palace boss Tony Pulis’ West Brom on Saturday to earn their place in the draw. However, the game was overshadowed by The Baggies' midfielder, Chris Brunt, being struck by a coin which was thrown towards him by his own supporters as he approached a young fan to give away his shirt. Pulis called the incident a ‘disgrace’ and claimed big sanctions should be put against the culprit. Away from the controversy, goals from Michael Hector, Paul McShane and Lucas Piazon cancelled out a Darren Fletcher effort to seal an emphatic victory. The Royals have also beaten Huddersfield and Walsall to earn their place in the last-eight.

Palace celebrate their win against Spurs in the 5th Round | Photo: Ian Kington/AFP

Reading will be hoping to reach their second consecutive FA Cup semi-final, having reached Wembley last season. However, they were knocked out by the eventual winners, Arsenal, thanks to a calamitous mistake by Adam Federici, allowing an Alexis Sanchez shot to squeeze under his body before failing to recover the ball from going over the line.

Palace have unwanted recent form against Reading

Palace have a poor recent history against Reading; they are winless in their last five meetings, however, they have won all three previous FA Cup ties - dating back as far as 1931, 1932 and 1952.

Victory will result in an FA Cup semi-final, potentially against one of English football’s elite clubs.

All quarter-final ties will be played across a spread of three days, from the 11th to the 14th March.