Wigan vs Reading

Another massive game in the fight for survival. Although Wigan are pretty much safe already, a win would guarantee them another season in the Premier League and could well send Reading into the bottom three with Birmingham at home to Liverpool Reserves.

That said, the Royals aren’t just going to lie down and give Wigan the points. With Leroy Lita back from Charlton and Glen Little nearing full fitness, we could see a rejuvinated Reading side at the JJB.

Vital Quotes:

Sir Steve on the winning process:

‘We have to perform before we can even think of the consequences. We have to concentrate on our performance on the day and forget about ‘what ifs’.

‘That may have been our downfall against Fulham, where it was very much ‘if we win this one then this will happen’ and the winning process went out the window.

‘The winning process is what it is all about. Perform well and you will get good results; if you don’t, you won’t.’

Wigan Team News:

Strikers Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent have been passed fit while the two Eriks, Hagen and Edman both miss out through injury.

Player to watch: Titus Bramble

Absolutely lethal in the air and one of the best defenders in the world.

Reading Team News:

Leroy Lita is back form his loan spell at Charlton and should start. Glen Little will play some part as he continues to build up his fitness.

Player to watch: Leroy Lita

Fresh from his loan spell at Charlton, Leroy Lita is back and has something to prove. He will be itching to score and he will lap up Matejovsky’s teasing balls.

Match Facts & Stats

All three previous Premier League matches between these clubs have been won by the side playing at home.

Reading have failed to score in their last four games.

30% of Reading’s goals have come from headers.

Ref Watch:

Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire)

Match Prediction:

I’m pretty sure we’ve never won at the JJB, and can’t realy see that changing today. Having said that, Leroy Lita is back and will be desperate to prove a point.

My Prediction: Wigan 1-1 Reading

Next Fixtures:

Tottenham (h) 03/05/08

Derby (a) 11/05/08