Premier League: Reading v Chelsea match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at the Madejski Stadium

Mikele Leigertwood of Reading celebrates with team mates during the FA Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Looking to build upon their good cup and league form, winning their last four games, Reading can jump out of the relegation zone with a victory tonight.

At loggerheads with the club's supporters and the Football Association over last week's ball-boy incident with Eden Hazard, Rafa Benitez's Chelsea side will be determined to close the gap on second-placed Manchester City to four points with a win against the Berkshire outfit.

Striker Noel Hunt faces a fitness test ahead of the league clash, whilst Jason Roberts has been ruled out and new signing Daniel Carrico is not expected to feature for the Royals.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech and defender David Luiz are rated as doubtful, due to issues regarding their fitness. Eden Hazard is suspended to the red card he infamously picked up in the league cup tie against Swansea last week.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Chelsea 4 (Lampard, Cahill, Torres, Ivanovic) Reading 2 (Pogrebnyak, Guthrie), Premier League, September 2012

Chelsea 1 (Ballack) Reading 0, Premier League, January 2008

Reading 1 (Amougou) Chelsea 2 (Lampard, Drogba), Premier League, August 2007

STATS…

This game will be the twentieth meeting between the teams in all competitions. The record currently stands at 10 wins for Chelsea, six draws and just three wins for Reading.

Despite suffering from inconsistency at Stamford Bridge, Rafa Benitez's team do travel well, winning their last four away league matches.

Of the 19 points Reading have picked up this season, 14 of them have come from home games.

Against London sides at the Madejski in the league, Reading have played three games, winning one and losing two.

The 2007/2008 season was the only one in which Chelsea have recorded a league double over Reading.

ODDS…

Reading to win: 6.00

Chelsea to win: 1.55

Draw: 4.00

TV: Highlights - BBC1 at 10.35pm