Championship club Reading will have to pull off a big upset if they’re to beat Arsenal and reach the FA Cup final on Saturday. They head into the game struggling near the foot of the second tier, and having failed to win a single game since eliminating Bradford City in the quarterfinals of this tournament over a month ago.
Reading vs. Arsenal, FA Cup 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
Arsenal should be able to beat Reading on Saturday to book their place in the FA Cup final.
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That’s in stark contrast to how things have gone for Arsenal in recent times, with Arsène Wenger’s Gunners having won eight games on the bounce in all competitions. They’re up in second place in the Premier League, though with the FA Cup representing their only realistic chance of silverware this season, will be giving it all they’ve got against their second-tier opponents.
If recent history is anything to go by, we should be expecting a pretty lively fixture at Wembley -- there have been a total of 19 goals scored in the last three fixtures between these sides. On every occasion, the Gunners have emerged victorious.
Key player - Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal)
Arsenal's marquee summer signing Alexis Sánchez hasn't been particularly prolific in front of goal recently, though the Chilean has nevertheless delivered consistently good performances on the flanks for the Gunners. His pace and directness sets him apart from most of his teammates, and his quality should shine through against a pretty poor Reading team.
Key matchup - Arsenal’s possession vs. Reading’s defence
Only five teams have conceded more goals than Reading in England’s second tier this season. That’s a worrying fact given the calibre of players the Royals will be going up against in this match. Arsenal will likely dominate possession from start to finish, and Reading will have to turn in the best defensive display of their entire campaign if they’re to stop the Gunners finding a route to goal.
Reading injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Pavel Pogrebnyak (calf), Nathaniel Chalobah (unspecified).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin). In doubt: Mikel Arteta (ankle)
Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak and his midfield teammate Nathaniel Chalobah are both doubtful, though likely to play. Arsenal will certainly be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, though Mikel Arteta could be involved.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:20 p.m. local, 12:20 p.m. ET
Venue: Wembley, London, England
TV: FOX Network (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), BBC One (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
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