Arsenal vs Reading betting preview

The Capital One Cup returns in midweek as Arsenal travel to the Madejski Stadium to play a Reading side however both teams have struggled in the league and so Tuesday night will be a tight encounter. Get a free bet for any Carling Cup match this week.

Arsenal

The past week hasn’t been great for the Gunners. Defeat to Schalke in midweek was their first home defeat in the Champions League since 2003, losing 3-0 to Inter Milan. Following that the Arsenal shareholders held their latest AGM where Wenger and his board were questioned. To note Wenger felt qualification for the Champions League was as big as a trophy. Financially he is correct however fans will disagree. However with fans wanting a trophy the Capital One Cup could be a perfect opportunity for Wenger to put fans’ hearts at ease.

Jack Wilshere is expected to feature as he continues to gain full fitness. We may see youth players however a little bit of experience may be added to the team to ensure Arsenal progress in a trophy that they came so close to winning two years ago.

Reading

After gaining promotion last season, Reading have struggled to get things going in the league. On Saturday the Royals gained a point in a 3-3 thriller at home to Fulham but still sit 18^th, in a relegation zone. The League Cup can be often referred to as a ‘nuisance’ and especially for a newly promoted side; Reading may field a weaker side to get the cup out of the way.

However if Pavel Pogrebnyak does play he could be a threat. He is their leading goal scorer with four in all competitions, one coming at Stamford Bridge in the league. Jason Roberts has also been in the news recently and could be fired up to help Reading defeat Arsenal at home.

Although the Capital One Cup may appear as a minor trophy, victory here could kickstart either of these teams seasons.

Pavel Pogrebnyak to score first, 7/1 on Stan James

Arsenal to win 4-1, 33/1 on Blue Square

Jack Wilshere to score anytime, 6/1 on William Hill

Written by Kelv Morgan

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