Arsenal v Reading: Second-string side should see off Royals [Match Preview]
In terms of relevant injuries, it has been revealed that both Wojciech Szczesny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are not available for selection despite returning to full training. No news has been divulged on Kieran Gibbs, but it is likely that Brazilian Andre Santos will start assuming that Gibbs is on track to start the Manchester United clash this coming weekend.
In terms of defence, expect to see Djourou in the center with Jenkinson and Santos at right and left back respectively. Koscielny should also be given a starting berth unless he features in Arsene’s planned line-up for United this coming weekend due to his superior agility over Mertesacker. Young Argentine Damien Martinez will surely start in goal owing to Arsenal’s current injury crisis.
Arsenals’ midfield will likely consist of Coquelin, Arshavin and Frimpong. Wenger was quick to praise Arshavin’s professionalism this week and it will be interesting to see how the little Russian performs, particularly considering the impact he made against Reading when he came on as a substitute. Ramsey could potentially be another starter in the middle with Wilshere and Chamberlain likely to return to the squad this weekend, pushing the Welshman further down the pecking order.
The likely front three makes for the most interesting read with no-confidence Marouane Chamakh, German starlet Serge Gnabry, and contract rebel Theo Walcott the likely starters. Each player will obviously want to prove a point in this match and it will be interesting to see how each player performs on the night, particulary Gnabry who has been highly praised by Wenger. It will definitely be an exciting prospect to see the young German and Walcott rip up on the flanks with their electrifying pace!
Although Reading have only lost one of their past five games, they are yet to win a match in the Premier League this term. Arsenal also enjoy a 100% record against the Royals having beaten them in all nine clashes they have had. The Gunners are definitely favourites to win this tie and definitely have the talent and quality to see off the Royals on paper and should do so with players coming in seeking to make an impression.
Recent Form:
Arsenal:
Reading:
on Gervinho…
He has an ankle problem. How long he will be out, we don’t know. He has a scan today (Monday).
on Szczesny…
He is close, but not ready for the Reading game.
on other team news…
Oxlade-Chamberlain is not available for this game. He would have loved to play. Apart from that, I don’t think anyone else will be back.
on any other young players being out…
No, the players we want to be available are available.
Martinez
Jenkinson Koscielny Djourou (c) Santos
Coquelin Frimpong
Gnabry Arshavin Walcott
Chamakh
Arsenal to win: 3/4 (1.75)
Draw: 14/5 (3.80)
Reading to win: 10/3 (4.33)
Reading 0 Arsenal 2: 17/2 (9.50)
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
If we dont play our first string we will loose,just mark my words.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Told you,we are 4-0 down and its not half time yet,what a mess this lot is.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Well you are almost right, only that the team made the most dramatic and comical comeback. The defense is just shit with error proned Koscienly and hapless Djorou at it’s heart. Where is all the improvement in this department as insinuated by BOULD when they can concede so cheaply against lowly Reading F.C for that matter. One of the funniest match ever..
Like or Dislike:
0 
0