1871Royals Wigan Athletic Match Preview
By Matthew Grant
May 6 2005
Reading take on Wigan at the JJB Stadium this Sunday with The Royals needing a win to have a realistic chance of a Play-Off place while a win for The Latics will secure a place in the Premiership for Paul Jewel's team.
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TEAM NEWS |
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So this is it, the final League game of the 2004/05 season, a win for Wigan and they will be gracing the Premiership while a win for The Royals and a bit of luck from Watford will result in a Play-Off place for Steve Coppell's side. A defeat for Wigan could also mean the dreaded Play-Offs for Paul Jewell's Wigan side if Ipswich draw or win away at Brighton & Hove Albion. Click here to view all the possible scenarios this Sunday for Reading to get a Play-Off place. After the last two dire performances, things need to be changed. Reading may have to do without usual left back Nicky Shorey again, Shorey is rated as 50/50 for Sunday's game with a knee injury. Andy Hughes who filled in at left back last Saturday in the defeat to Wolves would be expected to play their again if Shorey fails to recover although Bobby Convey an also play at left back as he has done at International level for the USA. If Steve Coppell decides to go more attacking then he may decide to play the energetic Hughes in midfield. Glen Little would be expected to keep his place on the right wing with Paul Brooker occupying the left of midfield. It remains to be seen if James Harper maintains his place in the centre of midfield alongside Steven Sidwell after Harper was particularly disappointing last Saturday. Nicky Forster is expected to play alongside Dave Kitson upfront as The Royals look to go and win the game. Paul Jewell is expected to recall Alan Mahon to the starting line-up to replace Gary Teale on the wing. A reported Reading target when at Blackburn, Mahon scored against Reading earlier in the season in the sides 1:1 draw at the Madejski Stadium. Jewell currently has no injury concerns as his side head into their biggest game in their history. Wigan Athletic Key Player - Nathan Ellington |
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FORM GUIDE |
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It has been two very disappointing performances from Reading away at
Cardiff then at home to Wolves last Saturday. After taking an early lead
Reading allowed Wolves to come back and beat The Royals 2:1 thanks to
goals from Leon Clarke and Rohan Ricketts. Reading currently lie in 7th
on the same points as sixth place West Ham United and with the same goal
difference only the fact that the Hammers have scored more goals can
split the teams. It has been a tremendous season for Paul Jewels side thanks partly to the large investment by chairman Dave Whelan. The front two of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts have been the main reason why Wigan are in the position they are in. The two have scored freely all season. The Latics lie in second at present on the same points as Ipswich Town with Wigan's particularly better goal difference keeping them above Ipswich. Wigan's latest result came in the form of a 1:1 draw away at fourth place Preston North End. |
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PREVIOUS MEETINGS |
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Reading 1:1 Wigan - 27/11/04 |
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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Ticket Information At the time of writing Reading have sold just over 2,000 tickets for Sundays game with around another 2,000 remaining. Please note if buying tickets for the game tomorrow they will only be available to personal callers. Wigan have sold out their allocation of tickets and so the decision was made to make the game all tickets to avoid any home supporters buying tickets in the home end. No tickets will be available on the day from the JJB Stadium. Please Click Here for the ticket prices regarding this game Other Useful Information Programme: £2.50 Ref Watch: Martin Atkinson Wigan Athletic Unofficial Sites: www.cockneylatic.co.uk, www.wiganer.net Championship Fixtures Brighton vs Ipswich Just a reminder Reading like to do things the hard way and a win away at Wigan is certainly a uphill task! So it is important the supporters do their bit as Reading strive for that sixth place. With only 2,000 tickets currently sold, Reading can do a lot better so if you are yet to get a ticket then do your bit for the cause and pop down the the Ticket Office tomorrow. If you are in attendance on Sunday then make sure to sing your hearts out and do the club proud. Win, lose or draw at least we know we would have done all we can.. ...oh and don't forget your inflatables! C'MON URZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!
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