Premier League: Fulham v Reading match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Martin Jol (GETTY IMAGES)

Both teams have nothing to play for in this fixture. Fulham have virtually secured their place in the top flight while Reading were relegated to the Championship in their stalemate against QPR.

But a dull affair is not necessarily on the cards after the sides’ last meeting, which turned in to a 3-3 thriller, with three goals coming in the last five minutes at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading will want to save some pride and give the fans a first away win since January and only their third in the league this season. However, Martin Jol’s men, who currently sit 11th in the table, will be eyeing a top 10 finish.

Since Adkins’ arrival in March, the Royals have picked up just four points out of a possible 18, a run that has put them at the foot of the table.

The home side will be without Steve Sidwell, who serves his second game in a three-match ban, but Sascha Riether may be close to a return from an ankle injury.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST TWO MEETINGS…

Reading 3 (Leigertwood, McCleary, Robson-Kanu) Fulham 3 (Ruiz, Baird, Berbatov), Premier League, October 2012

Reading 0 Fulham 2 (McBride, Nevland), Premier League, April 2008.

STATS…

Fulham have scored just one goal in their last five games, which went down as an own goal.

Fulham have won just 26 per cent of their games so far this season, their lowest in five years.

Reading have scored just the two goals in their last six outings.

Reading have won just four away games all season in all competitions.

ODDS…

Fulham to win: 1.74

Reading to win: 5.6

Draw: 3.95

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 at 10.30pm