Topics: Arsenal, Reading, Capital One Cup
Arsenal's last few performances have not been very exciting, with the last coming at home against Queens Park Rangers. Arsene Wenger's side will now travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading for the Capital One Cup.

Despite winning their last match in the English Premier League, Arsenal fans have not been very happy with the teams performances. A trip to take on Reading could turn out to be a tricky fixture for the Gunners.

Both teams have met a total of nine times in their history and Arsenal has been victorious in all nine of the matches. Not a very favorable stat for Brian McDermott's side who has also not been able to win a match in the Premier League.

The home side would love to pull of a shocking victory on Tuesday, but they are well aware of the challenge the face.

"I'm sure they want to win trophies—of course they do—but they always qualify for the Champions League, which is a phenomenal achievement in itself," said McDermott.

 

Reading only has to worry about Jem Karacan who is out due to a knee injury, while Noel Hunt is going to be assessed before kick off. Other than that, McDermott is expected to name a strong squad for the Capital One Cup match.

For the visitors, Arsene Wenger usually gives himself a chance to rotate his squad for matches in the Capital One Cup.

Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna both made their returns to the Arsenal side against QPR after prolonged injuries, so they are most likely not going to feature on Tuesday.

Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will certainly not feature, while Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny won't be ready after picking up an ankle injury a few weeks ago.

Previous Encounters

04-19-08 Arsenal 2-0 Reading (EPL)

11-12-07 Reading 1-3 Arsenal (EPL)

03-03-07 Arsenal 2-1 Reading (EPL)

10-22-06 Reading 0-4 Arsenal (EPL)

11-29-05 Arsenal 3-0 Reading (Carling Cup)

 

Prediction

This match could prove to be very difficult for Arsenal considering how they have performed in their last three matches. Against Norwich, Schalke and QPR, Arsenal didn't look like the free flowing footballing side that everyone is used to seeing.

They are playing without any urgency going forward and when they attack it seems as if they don't have a plan of attack as to what exactly they want to do.

Playing away to a Reading side that hasn't won in the Premier League this season will be a serious challenge.

McDermott's side will want to pull off the upset and lift their spirits considering their poor start in the domestic league.

If Arsenal doesn't take this match seriously and take their chances, Reading could really sink the Gunners confidence heading into a weekend clash with Manchester United.


Reading 0-2 Arsenal