It’s finally here. It has been a season, that for the most part, has been dire, boring and unbearable at times. However, a little cup run that started away at Huddersfield back in January, which was one of the worst games I have ever witnessed, we are now embarking on an FA semi-final for the first time in 88 years.
Who could probably be our worst opponents when you consider our record against teams in recent history, With 12 losses in the previous 12 games against them? Yes, Arsenal. We will be pitted against the current holders of the prestigious trophy, who are on an eight-match winning streak and look relentless at the moment.
Even the most optimistic Reading fan would not fancy our chances at Wembley tomorrow, but who knows? It’s the FA Cup after all!
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Steve Clarke – ‘I`ve had lots of experiences at Wembley. Semis are all about winning. It`s not a game you like to lose because the losers of semi-finals get forgotten about. For us, it`s a chance and a big opportunity to make history for Reading Football Club. We go there with the best intentions of giving everything that we`ve got and trying to get that result that the supporters are desperate for. We have to hope that Arsenal aren`t at their best because if they are then it will be very difficult for us.’
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger – ‘Reading have many players who have experience in the Premier League. We won`t be underestimating them. We know it can be very difficult, secondly it would be absolutely non-intelligent just to think we turn up and win the game. We prepare well for this game, we know exactly what can happen to us, what will face us. It`s a special occasion for us to share with our fans and we want them to go home happy.’
Reading Team News:
Reading have right-back Stephen Kelly back for selection, but
fellow defender Anton Ferdinand is still struggling with a lack of match fitness. Jure Travner is also sidelined, but Pavel Pogrebnyak will be fit, despite missing the Bournemouth game with injury.
Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake and Palace striker Kwesi Appiah are both cup-tied. Nathaniel Chalobah should be available, after limping off against Bournemouth. He is likely to play along side Danny Williams, who will return from injury, as well as skipper Jem Karacan.
Player to watch: Michael Hector
The central defender has been in fine form and has improved superbly throughout the season – I suppose this game is his reward! To be put up against the likes of Giroud, Welbeck and Sanchez will be an outstanding test for him, but knowing Big Hec, he will certainly rise to the challenge.
Arsenal Team News:
Arsenal’s injury siutation is looking a lot better these days. Their only two definite absentees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta. England’s Jack Wilshere returned in a reserve game for Arsenal against the Royals on Monday, so could start at Wembley.
Player to watch: Alexis Sanchez
Since the Chilean joined the Premier League back in the summer, he has stepped up to the mark superbly and has been one of the best individuals in the top division this season. Wembley’s wide pitch will suit his game superbly, let’s hope Clarke has a plan to keep him out the game.
Expected line-ups:
Reading – 4-5-1: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; McCleary, Chalobah, Karacan, Williams, Robson-Kanu; Pogrebnyak.
Arsenal – 4-2-3-1: Szczesny; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis; Welbeck.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be the experienced Martin Atkinson, who took charge of the FA Cup final back in 2011. The last he refereed the Royals was back in the 2012/13 Prem season, overseeing our home victory over Everton and defeat to Man City. He has been slightly red-card-happy recently, having dished out five red cards in his previous nine games.
Match Prediction:
This will be a completely different game to the play-off final back in 2011, there is less pressure, which means the fans can enjoy the day more and the players can enjoy the occasion. Arsenal, who are in superb form, will simply have too much firepower for us, irrelevant of how valiantly we defend.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 1 – 3 Arsenal
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Birmingham (H) – Wed 22nd April – SkyBet Championship
Arsenal – Chelsea (H) – Sun 26th April – Barclays Premier League
