The Gameweek concludes at the Madjeski Stadium where Reading host Arsenal for the second time this season and, it’s safe to say, we’re expecting goals. Not only did the Royals concede four to United last time out, the Gunners managed to put seven past them in the Capital One Cup on their previous visit in October. A certain Mr Walcott bagged a hat-trick that night and he starts in Arsene Wenger’s lineup this evening: playing up front. Hopes will be running high then, with a legion of Fantasy managers also willing Santi to deliver early for Christmas. Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to hoover up the emotion as the ball hits the net or row Z.
Theo Walcott’s recovery from injury and inclusion in the Gunners lineup paves the way for Wenger to relegate Olivier Giroud to the bench, presumably allowing Walcott to play up top and shift his little mitt that bit closer to signing a new contract. Lukas Podolski makes a return to the starting lineup having been fit enough to sit on the bench against West Brom – Gervinho makes way in Wenger’s other change to the side that faced the Baggies.
The home side make three tweaks after the dismal showing at Sunderland last time out. Pavel Pogrebnyak makes a return following a recent injury – he makes his first start since Gameweek 9. Jimmy Kebe also makes a comeback for the Royals, with both Adam Le Fondre and Gareth McClearly dropping to the bench. Kaspars Gorkss is back in favour and in the defence, with Alex Pearce making way; Sean Morrison remains sidelined through injury.
