Newcastle will be backed by around 4,000 supporters at the Madejski Stadium - while thousands more will watch a beam back at St. James' Park.

United are top of the league but Stam's side are also challenging for promotion to the top flight, and go into the game in fifth place.

And former Manchester United star Stam told his club’s official website: "Every game that we play, we need to dig deep and work hard to be able to get the result.

"Newcastle have got very good players, and they have a lot of quality. We need to be aware of the threats they have, especially going forward, and also look at the spaces they leave at times when they attack and try to take advantage of that.

"It is going to be a hard game because of the quality they have. When we played them at St James' Park they made it very difficult for us, especially from set pieces. We need to be aware of that."

He added: "We don't want to be playing at home and the away fans are louder than the home fans. If the Reading fans that are here can be really behind the team then that gives the team an extra boost.

"I think it is good for the fans as well if the atmosphere is good. It will also give the away team a certain feeling. I am confident in the home fans that they will be behind us."