What Latics fan can forget events that occurred on the 8th May 2005, the day Little Wigan joined Englands elite leauge. Our boys in blue beat Steve Coppells Reading comfortably 3-1 to finish runners up behind Sunderland. Last season Reading went one better than ourselves, running away with the Championship title to join Wigan in the Premiership.
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There are alot of similarities between Reading and Wigan. Both are unfashionable clubs who have upset many traditionalists by being in the Premiership, we have wealthy chairmen and brilliant stadiums, as well as the work ethic needed to succeed. And not forgetting that both have made their Premiership debuts in the last two seasons.
Whereas our heroes failed to start this season with a victory, Reading got their fledgling campaign off to a stormer, coming from 2-0 down to beat Gareth Southgates Middlesbrough 3-2. The Royals looked like they we're going to make it two victories from two at Aston Villa, taking the lead early on before sucumbing to Villa's one man advantage, losing 2-1.
Even though they have only played two games, Reading have not looked out of place in either run out, and have played some impressive attacking football, meaning our back four will have to be at their sharpest come Saturday. However, our Southern opponents have leaked two goals in each game indicating abit of defensive frailty, although again with only two games in its hard to come to many conclusions.
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The popular Austrian said: ""I'm comfortable with the midfield role, I spoke to the manager at the end of last season and agreed this was my position for the future."
"A goal would be nice when we play Reading on Saturday which is a big game for us, the real start of our season after we lost at Newcastle.
"But we will still go into the Reading match with good confidence and hopefully we can get a good result."
Wigan have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the 3:00pm kick off. Pascal Chimbonda could make an appearance after pulling his calf in training prior to the trip to newcastle, whilst fellow right-back Ryan Taylor continues to make good progress from a long-term injury. Gary Teale has returned to full training and could make the bench.
Reading will be without defender Ibrahima Sonko after his dismissal at Villa Park, whilst star striker Dave Kitson is set to miss out due to a knee injury.
Ones To Watch
Reading will be missing arguably their best striker in Dave Kitson on Saturday, who no doubt would have caused us problems. Winger Seol Ki-Hyeon has impressed on the wings whilst midfielder Steve Sidwell is a handy player in the Bullard mould, and will hope to release Leroy Lita, who has many admirers.
My Predictions
I have a good feeling about this game, although Reading will no doubt put up a good fight they will be missing key players in Kitson and Sonko which could prove pivotal. Striker Henri Camara will hope to celebrate his new three-year contract with a couple of goals for himself and strike partner Emile Heskey, whilst Lee McCulloch will want to continue where he left off at Newcastle.
Latics 2 Reading 0 (Camara & Heskey)
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