This season Wigan is not convincing in their home games as until now the team has won only one of them (Wigan - West Ham: 2-1). Reading on the other hand, have not won a single game as a guest in the league. Furthermore, the first win for Reading, overall in the Premiership, occured in the last round against Everton. Undoubtedly, this match is very important for both teams, as they are expected to be direct rivals in the fight to stay in the Premier League.
Bearing in mind the importance of this match for both teams, we can assume that they will start more cautiously. However, we expect as the match develops both teams to give their best to win the three points as a draw is not in favor of any of them. Other two teams who are in the battle for survival - Aston Villa and Southampton will be those who will benefit from the draw in this match.
Wigan`s central midfielder Ben Watson got injured last week and will be out until new year. A valuable player of the home team, who might miss this match is the central defender Gary Caldwell. There is no clear information about the return of the defender James McArthur as he is also doubtful to begin this match. In the list of injured players for Reading there are three names: Jem Karacan (midfielder), Alex McCarthy (goalkeeper), Danny Guthrie (midfielder). Reading manager Brian McDermott faces no new injuries problems and therefore, will most likely rely on the eleven that won the first match for the team in the league.
Wigan manager usually puts only three defenders in the back, and it's no surprise that the team has received at least two goals in six of their last seven games. It will be interesting, whether, despite the match against direct opononet, will Wigan be in formation with only three on defense. Brian McDermott, in turn, is expected to use the classic 4:4:2 formation.