Preview: Reading v Arsenal

On Sky

Away from the Madejski Stadium Reading can do little or no right, but at home we are quite the opposite, but the sternest challenge yet comes from unbeaten Arsenal this evening.

Vital Quotes: Steve Coppell

On how to play against Arsenal, “In my mind I have probably got about three different ways of playing against Arsenal – or trying to.
“We are at home so we have got to have a go. But if we do push men forward we will obviously be leaving ourselves open at the back.
“We have to try to attack them when possible but also make sure we have a strong base so we are not vulnerable to the counter-attack.”

Reading Team News:

Michael Duberry damaged his ribs against Fulham in the 3-1 defeat; he has struggled since and is not likely to make it. However John Oster came through a recent reserve fixture and is back in the squad, along with Kalifa Cisse, even though he limped out of the same match.

Player to watch: Ibrahima Sonko

Reading will have to push forward a bit, being the home side, but how tight the defence can be kept, which hasn’t been tight this season, will decide if we get something, so the big defender will have to be back to his best.

Arsenal Team News:

Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky have been given the green light, but Philippe Senderos is not ready to return after a recent injury. Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb were rested in their recent Champions League match, but will return.

Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas

The Arsenal midfielder has been in scintillating form this season, which is nothing new, but he has added goals a plenty to his game, from close range and distance.

Match Facts & Stats

Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Arsenal completed the double over Reading in their first ever league meetings last season, with a 6-1 aggregate. Prior to last season’s Premier League clashes, these clubs were paired five times in Cup competitions (three times in the FA Cup, and twice in the League Cup) since 1935. Arsenal won all five, without having to resort to a replay – the overall aggregate score from these ties was 10-2.

Home and away: League (inc PL): Reading 0 wins, Arsenal 2, Draws 0
Prem: Reading 0 wins, Arsenal 2, Draws 0

At Reading only: League (inc PL): Reading 0 wins, Arsenal 1, Draws 0
Prem: Reading 0 wins, Arsenal 1, Draws 0

Ref Watch:

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

Match Prediction:

Any fixture at the Madejski Stadium gives Reading more than a chance, even against the best, but Arsenal are a different proposition and are having a fine season. Whilst a Reading win would still be considered an upset it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility, but a point would be a good return, but you cant help but feel Arsenal will be too strong.

Next Fixture: Manchester City

@ The City of Manchester Stadium a week Saturday, 15:00.