Reading v Aston Villa match preview - Premier League

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

Both Reading and Aston Villa are battling to stay in the Premier League and a win for either team could lift them out of the relegation zone with Wigan not playing a league game this weekend.

Paul Lambert’s young Aston Villa side have been put under questioning this season due to the lack of experience in their squad when playing crucial games, but a win over Reading could lead to the Midlands side picking up some momentum and pushing on in the last 10 games.

Reading lost the last time the two clubs met at Villa Park and Brian McDermott will want to get revenge on the Villains. Winning games against fellow strugglers create season changing moments and the future of these two clubs could depend on this result, making it all to play for.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 1 (Benteke) Reading 0, Premier League, November 2012

Reading 2 (Long 2) Aston Villa 4 (Young, Carew 3), FA Cup, March 2010

Reading 1 (Shorey) Aston Villa 2 (Young, Harewood), Premier League, February 2008

STATS…

Reading have conceded a goal in every game they’ve played since 29 of December 2012.

Aston Villa currently average 1.07 goals a game away from home.

The only side to beat Reading outside the top five teams at home this season are Wigan Athletic.

Villa’s last away win was December 15 when they beat Liverpool 3-1.

ODDS…

Reading to win: 2.46

Aston Villa to win: 3.2

Draw: 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.