After a long eleven game wait, Reading finally got off the mark with their first Premier League victory this season, as they beat Everton 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium. However, the Royals are yet to win away as they face a long trip up north to face Wigan. Roberto Martinez’s side have struggled for consistency this season and we’re on the end of a disappoitning result last week, as they were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Brian McDermott – “It`s about being a team within a team and helping each other, whoever plays. And that`s the ethos for the whole group. We`ve done that before with our wingers, we`ve got four really, really good wingers here – same with the defenders, full backs – everyone`s the same. Managers in the past have talked about never changing a winning team, I don`t necessarily buy into that. You look at the opposition you`ve got to play, you look at the strengths that we`ve got and we pick a team off the back of that.”
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez – ‘Their work ethic is incredible and although last week was their first win of the campaign, believe me when I say that they’ve come very close to three points long before that game. Their performances have been better than the results they have had. You get to know very quickly in this league that every game will present you with a different challenge and every game is very difficult for its own reasons. I’m sure Reading will look at this as a great opportunity to come to Wigan and get a result, but we’re playing at home and we had two negative results.’
Wigan Team News:
The home side have been blighted with injuries in the recent weeks and are likely to have a number of players out for this game. Captain Gary Caldwell is doubtful, while defensive partner Alcaraz is struggling with a groin problem. Midfielder Ben Watson is a long-term absentee, while the duo attacking duo of Albert Crusat and James McArthur are also out.
Player to watch: Jean Beausejour
The wing wizard has been deployed as more of a wing-back under Martinez, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a threat up the pitch. Great pace and power which is likely to trouble the often-fragile Chris Gunter at right back.
Reading Team News:
The Royals will still be without goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who has a shoulder problem, but Jimmy Kebe is likely to be fit for the game after missing out last week through a groin problem. Midfield pairing Jem Karacan and Danny Guthrie have returned to full training, but will not be considered for selection.
Player to watch: Jason Roberts
The 34-year old has been a standout performer for the Royals in recent games and is hopefully going to cause the Wigan backline a few problems. He’s also going back to a former side in the Latics, so hopefully should do well considering his record when he plays his former sides!
Expected line-ups:
Wian: 3-4-1-2: Al Habsi, Boyce, Ramis Caldwell Figueroa, Beausejour, McCarthy, Jones, Maloney, Di Santo, Kone
Reading: 4-4-2: Federici, Gunter, Morrison, Gorkss, Shorey, McAnuff, Tabb, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Roberts, Le Fondre
Ref Watch:
The referee for the game will the well-respected Howard Webb. The only Reading game he has refereed ended in defeat for the Royals, as they lost 3-1 to Tottenham. Webb denied two clear cut penalties in the game for Reading, so hopefully he will be a bit more kind this time round!
Match Prediction:
We are going in on a high after the Everton game, but I don’t think that counts when the whistle goes. Hard fought bore draw by both sides.
Vital Reading prediction: 0-0
Next Fixtures:
Wigan – Man City (H) – Wed 28th November – Premier League
Reading – Aston Villa (A) – Tues 27th November – Premier League
