Premier League: Reading v Wigan preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at the Madejski Stadium

Adam le Fondre came off the bench to grab an unlikely point for Reading (Getty Images)

Side by side in the league table and separated by just two points, this match at the Madejski is a genuine relegation six-pointer.

Provided Aston Villa lose at the Emirates, the team that wins will find themselves out of the relegation zone.

Reading have been this season's comeback kings, having picked up 10 points when they have scored after the 75th minute in their last five Premier League matches.

Victory for Reading would extend the gap between them and Wigan to five points and give some breathing space.

Striker Adam Le Fondre will be hoping for the chance to prove he can score goals from the start of match and not just when he comes off the bench.

Wigan make the trip south on the back of a fine performance in the FA Cup last weekend, albeit against Championship side Huddersfield.

21-year-old Callum McManaman could be in line for a start after scoring once and delivering a noteworthy performance.

But Wigan have not won in the Premier League in their last six matches and have not tasted victory at Reading since October 1999.

Kick-Off:Saturday 15:00

Past three meetings…

November 2012: Premier League - Wigan 3 (Gomez x3) – 2 Reading (Morison, Al Habsi OG)

April 2008: Premier League – Wigan 0 – 0 Reading

September 2007: Premier League – Reading 2 (Kitson, Harper) – 1 Norwich (Bent)

Stats…

Reading have attempted the fewest shots (235) and managed the fewest on target (85) in the Premier League.

Wigan have scored in their last nine away games and are the only side to have won more points away (11) than they have at home (10).

Reading have conceded the second most goals at home (24) behind Wigan with (27).

Adam Le Fondre needs one goal as a substitute to set a Premier League record for the number of goals scored in a single season.

Odds…

Reading to win - 2.7

Wigan to win - 2.88

Draw - 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm