Reading Preview: Latics have chance to secure safety

Last updated : 25 April 2008 By Michael Goodman

Reading have been involved in some freak results this season scoring four goals away from home and still losing (Portsmouth and Tottenham) so you know that Reading will come out and attack us on Saturday.

I have been thinking about Reading's season this year and it is quite similar to how our season went last year. Started off getting gradual wins and maintaining a mid table position, going on a long winded winless run and now find themselves in the bottom three going into the final few games of the season.

They do have an advantage of going to Derby away on the last game of the season so if we have been dragged into the relegation battle again come the last weekend of the season, we might need Paul Jewell to do us a favour.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, a win on Saturday can see us safe for yet another season in the Premier League.

Last weeks result against Tottenham was a very good point and to still be unbeaten at home since January is certainly not relegation form.

It is good to see Emile Heskey starting to find the net again and I for one certainly hope that he can continue his form until the end of the season.

Marcus Bent looks likely to lead the attack with Heskey, assuming they have recovered from knocks against Spurs.

Reading meanwhile have recalled Leroy Lita from his loan spell at Charlton as Steve Coppell looks to find goals in his side to steer them clear of the relegation zone.

Key Players for Reading

Leroy Lita. His pace and ability to finish will be a test as to how much we have improved our defence in recent weeks. Can change a game if he is up for it. Signed from Bristol City for £1m

Andre Bikey. The tough tackling defender can operate at right back or defensive midfield but is at his best at centre back. Will give our forwards a tough game for the entire 90 minutes

Stephen Hunt. Famously remembered for his collision with Petr Cech last season and is known to take no nonsense. Hopefully Michael Brown can keep him quiet. Has pace and is always a threat for Reading. Signed from Brentford in a free transfer.

Marcus Hahnemann. The USA goalkeeper has been in great form for Reading recently but The Royals have still conceded over 60 goals this season. An excellent shot stopper who can produce wonder saves.

My Prediction

I believe it will be a good game with plenty of attacking football. I have to back Latics to win this one and secure Premiership football next season.

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