MATCHWATCH : Arsenal (a) sponsored by Davy Crockett

[Sutekh]

Well the M4 is open again and everyone's off to watch what will largely be two reserve sides playing in the cup competition that no-one has any respect for any more.

Won't repeat the miserable playing record Reading have v Arsenal but suffice to say that the run must end one day and tonight is as good as any other occasion. When it does happen though I hope it is a thoroughly painful end (so probably getting back to the PL and doing them over right at the end a season preventing them from winning the title or getting into the CL would be a better way to break it).

As to team news, well that's largely perm any 11 from those fit and who haven't played a lot recently. No clue about the situation over Quinn, Mendes, Harriott and Jaakkola all of whom would be expected to play from the start if they were fit. Gunter misses out through suspension but then he wouldn't have played anyway so that was a well timed yellow card on Saturday. Cooper and Meite both may play some part if not actually start tonight.

For those that know their Arsenal squad, the likely players starting will be Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Perez, Martinez, Maitland-Niles, Reine-Adelaide, Jenkinson plus possibly Giroud.

The referee tonight is Oxfordshire's Graham Scott



Previously...

21 Nov 2009 > Reading 2-1 Blackpool
03 Jan 2011 > Reading 2-1 Burnley
21 Jan 2011 > Reading 0-1 Hull City
15 Sep 2013 > Reading 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
22 Feb 2014 > Reading 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
10 Feb 2015 > Reading 0-2 Leeds United

No goals scored and only 1 draw to show in the last 4 games with Mr Scott.....

And Alex Fernandez is right behind the team tonight...

“Every Royal knows how important this game is against the Arsenal.

“I’ve played for and I am lucky to love a club like Reading - and I know that in football everything is possible.

“I hope and wish the team win this important match. I will be supporting my old team mates and friends like Danny, Jordan, McShane, McCleary, Gunter, Al-Habsi and the rest of the team as if I were on the same field.

“Reading was my first English club and I’m not kidding when I say I will always love this club. I always will be a Royal, for the win!

[Jagermesiter1871]

Which is the away pub or best pub?

[russyb]

well that was positive no one is expecting us to win this, lets go and enjoy and hopefully give them a good game. David vs Goliath come on David!!!

[Squelchy2507]

But not so good news for anyone going by train. All services to Paddington either delayed or cancelled coz someone hit by train at Twyford. Not likely to resume until 18:30

[genome]

[genome]

Reading:

Al-Habsi, Watson, Moore, Blackett, Obita, Kelly, Van Den Berg, Evans, McCleary, Harriott, Samuel
Subs: Moore, Swift, Wieser, Kermorgant, Meite, Quinn, Gravenberch

[Ian Royal]

Reading:

Al-Habsi, Watson, Moore, Blackett, Obita, Kelly, Van Den Berg, Evans, McCleary, Harriott, Samuel
Subs: Moore, Swift, Wieser, Kermorgant, Meite, Quinn, Gravenberch

Great to see Kelly and Samuel get such big opportunities. Also Watson, but much more expected. That's a pretty defensive midfield. Lots of pressure on the front three to do any damage. Blackett at CB will be interesting.

Good balance of change, youth and experience.

[genome]

Have we seen McCleary and Harriott in the same side on opposite flanks yet? Will be interesting to see how we play with them two and a different option in Samuel up front.

[bluerinse]

what has happened to goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola?

[boycey]

We're going to win this .

[Sutekh]

Well, whatever the result i hope Watson, Kelly and particularly Samuel have stand out games.

[NewCorkSeth]

what has happened to goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola?

He saved 4 penalties and ascended to nirvana.

[seahawk10]

We're going to win this .

I like the sound of this!

[Royal With Cheese]

Couple of chances for Arsenal early doors - 15 minutes in and a nice spell of Reading possession. Don't look like scoring though.

[ayjaydee]

Couple of chances for Arsenal early doors - 15 minutes in and a nice spell of Reading possession. Don't look like scoring though.

Jenkinson should have scored and we could concievably have been 3 down after 7 mins. Now having some decent possession . Obita is having a good game and just got a shot off.

[windermere_royal]

Arsenal as expected dominent. 70 per cent possession, only seems a matter of time

[ayjaydee]

3 on 2 G Mac pass FFS!

[ayjaydee]

FFS!!!! Give the ball away on the edge of the box against this lot we will get punished OX 1-0

[Sutekh]

Al flapsi drops another clanger showing exactly why he is not suited to Readings style of play. At least its not a league game.

[Brain Traysers]

JVDB gives the ball away. Ox scores from out wide, throigh Blackett's legs.