Wigan vs Reading Prediction – Playoff six pointer as fifth and sixth clash at the DW Stadium

Penalties are, perhaps, one of the cruelest ways in which to lose a match. Having matched Arsenal blow for blow during the recent FA Cup semi-final, Wigan found themselves dragged into extra time before eventually being eliminated on spot kicks. Whilst the Wembley visit was a fine achievement in itself, and the team can take a great deal of pride from almost reaching the final, the effect of two hours of football might well prove to be mentally draining ahead of their match against Wigan on the weekend. With Reading currently battling an injury crisis, however, this battle for playoff spots might be more evenly contested than previously thought. With Wigan lining up in a fluid 3-4-3, the ability to overload the flanks might prove the key to unlocking Nigel Adkins’ injury stricken team.

Wigan in recent weeks have been a mixed bunch. While they could have been accused of having an eye on the cup semi—final and while they still have a game in hand, their league form has undoubtedly slipped. After five games unbeaten, two losses in the next five hint at an inability to sustain their league position, though it should be noted that their latest loss was marked by a number of changes ahead of their trip to Wembley.

Reading have an incredibly similar record over both the last ten and last five games. Buoyed by the goals from their strikers Le Fondre and Pogrebnyak, Adkins might be concerned about the lack of goals from elsewhere in the pitch, especially with Le Fondre unlikely to feature at the weekend. Whereas they have lost a similar amount of games to Wigan, however, it is the draws in recent weeks which might well prove the most damaging and the lack of goals will be cited as a reason for failing to make the difference in these games.

Team News

Having been knocked out of the FA cup at the weekend, Wigan’s concern might not be limited to the players which they have out, but the amount of rest which has been afforded to them versus their opponents. With their match having gone into extra time, finding the resources to compete with a fresher Reading team might be difficult. Colin McManaman was withdrawn relatively early on the during the last match, though the key player’s fitness is not thought to be in doubt.

Nigel Adkins has admitted recently that the team are ‘playing chess with injuries’. Having gone into the previous match with fitness doubts over several players, Jordan Obita, Garath McCleary and Danny Williams were all withdrawn. Danny Guthrie and Hope Akpan are known to be out, and some players will face fitness tests throughout the week. Managing the injury crisis will be vital if the Royals are to secure a play off place and more important still if they are to climb out of the division.

Wigan

P41 W19 D10 L12

LDDWL

Predicted Line-Up (3-4-3): Carson; Boyce, Ramis, Crainey; Perch, McEachran, McArthur, Beausejour; McManaman, Fortune, Gomez

Reading

P42 W17 D13 L12

LDWLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): McCarthy; Gunter, Morrison, Pearce, Bridge; Williams, Hector, Obita; McCleary, Pogrebnyak, McAnuff

Prediction: Wigan 2 - 2 Reading

After being knocked out of the cup on extra time, Wigan’s superior quality might not be enough to see them take all three points.