Preview: Reading v Wigan

Three defeats in a row for Reading give this match extra importance, so it is crucial that the players respond and pick up the three points against Wigan.

Vital Quotes:

Steve Coppell acknowledging the team’s current form has tested his managerial skills, “Sometimes you are doing next to nothing to be honest, the ship rolls on and you just redirect.
“But when things go wrong you have to analyse. You go through everything in microscopic detail and see if you can do things better, to explain things – but sometimes there are things you can’t explain.
“I don’t have the answer to everything, I would be the first to admit that. When management is good it’s great, when it’s bad it’s very bad!”

Reading Team News:

Doyle, rested against Sunderland, and central defender Duberry, after injury, return, but the game comes too soon for fit-again Sonko and Oster, who are not quite ready. Little is a long-term absentee.

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Fresh from his break he will be looking to show that he isn’t a player that should be rested, even if it is felt he should.

Wigan Team News:

Marcus Bent and Aghahowa are vying to replace Heskey, and Kilbane returns from suspension but Hall is a doubt. Landzaat and Valencia are out.

Player to watch: Paul Scharner

He is a slippery customer who seems to get on the end of a lot of balls into the box, so he will have to be watched like a hawk or he may make Reading pay.

Match Facts & Stats

Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Reading are unbeaten in six home league and play-off games against Wigan, winning four and drawing two since the Wigans 2-0 victory at third League level on 16 October 1999.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Reading 12 wins, Wigan 13, Draws 7
Prem: Reading 1 win, Wigan 1, Draws 0
At Reading only: League (inc PL): Reading 10 wins, Wigan 4, Draws 2
Prem: Reading 1 win, Wigan 0, Draws 0

Ref Watch:

Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

Match Prediction:

It has to be three points, a point bare minimum anything else and the alarm bells will well and truly be signalling.

Next Fixture

Liverpool @ the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday in the Carling Cup, 19:45.