Barclays Premier League: Arsenal vs Reading: Match Preview

   





                       VERSUS
                  EMIRATES STADIUM
                    30TH MARCH, 2013

Arsenal in a good run of form and Reading's new manager will find it very difficult to stop the Gunners' surge to the top four positions. Arsene Wenger has to win this for Arsenal to keep any hopes to qualifying for the Champions League alive. Arsenal need to get three points in order to close down to Tottenham and also to keep Everton in some distance.

Arsenal 

Probable Line up:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Szczesny, Vermaelen, Ksocienly, Sagna, Monreal, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Gervinho, Podolski, Giroud

News:

Theo Walcott will no start this game. Elsewhere, Wilshere is injured and may not start, and that might hand Rosicky a role in the team. The Czech has looked decent in his recent appearances and Wenger has put his faith in him by saying that Arsenal's top four qualification objective can be achieved if Rosicky starts performing well. Gervinho needs to pick his game up to cement a place in Wenger's plans. Goals have been the problem for all of Arsenal's forwards, as Giroud and Podolski have not scored in four games. A goal for either one of them will be welcomed.

Men to Watch:

Santi Cazorla

How can it be some one else? The spaniard has been immaculate in his first season as a Gunner and his fine form looks set to continue till the end. Against a weak midfield of Reading, he will enjoy plenty of possession and is likely to dictate play, that would mean Arsenal would create plenty of chances in the game. My player of the season for Arsenal already. What a signing Wenger!

Form:

Second, as far as form is concerned and a decent record at the Emirates where they have thrashed the likes of Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham, and Newcastle. A win here would surely propel them into the fight for the last champions league place.

Reading:

Probable line up:

Formation: 4-5-1

Friedrici, Harte, Mariappa, Shorey, Pearce, McAnuff, Leigertwood, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Kebe, Le Fondre

News: 

Surely Le Fondre will start for Nigel Adkins. I can not see how he can be dropped, scoring an impressive 10 goals for Reading this campaign, it was baffling as to how Brian McDermott kept him on the bench for most of the time. If Nigel Adkins persists with that option it would not be soon that he will be booted out as well. Goals is what Reading requires to survive, Le Fondre is their best bid to score some. Jimmy Kebe and Hal Robson-Kanu are doubts for the game but may start this one. Impressive McAnuff and McCleary will look to anchor midfield for Adkins.

Men to Watch:

Adam Le Fondre

As I already wrote, how can he be benched? Please answer Mr. McDermott! The ex-reading manager must be ruing his decision not to include him more in the starting XI, as the in-form striker was always on-hands to score important or should I say all the goals Reading have scored. The combined tally of their strikers is 7, while that of the midfield is 12. Le Fondre has 10. Why McDermott?

Form:

Only Sunderland are enjoying a worse run of form than Reading, who have lost 5 of their last 5 games in the league. No wonder McDermott got sacked as Reading lost to fellow strugglers Aston Villa and Wigan, It seems highly unlikely that they will get something out of this game and the real struggle starts when Adkins faces his former employees next week.

Prediction

Arsenal 3 - 0 Reading

It should be easy for Arsenal if they do not press the self-destruct button. Keep calm and keep their heads right should be the message from Wenger to his players and that should ensure a comfortable evening for the Gunners.