WEST Ham's reserves face a crunch Barclays Premier Reserve League meeting with Reading at Bishop's Stortford FC's Woodside Park tonight.

The Hammers are third in the southern section table, two points adrift of leaders Aston Villa and just a point below the Royals.

And it could prove to be a tough tie for the Irons with Reading already confirming that they will be travelling with a strong line-up.

First teamers in their squad include Ulises Da La Cruz, Ibrahima Sonko, Michael Duberry, Kalifa Cisse, Bobby Convey and Dave Kitson.

After tonight's fixture - which kicks off at 7pm - Kevin Keen's West Ham side face trips to Chelsea and Arsenal, and a rearranged home tie with Derby (yet to be confirmed).