This game is going to be a battle! Both Reading and Wigan have had a rough time lately, getting hit with points deductions last season that totally messed up their progress.
Wigan got slapped with an eight-point deduction after their owners couldn’t pay the players on time, and that cost them big time, dropping from 10th to 12th. But now there’s hope! New owner Mike Danson has swooped in, paid off all the wages, and is aiming to bring Wigan back to the top.
Reading’s story is just as dramatic. Their owner, Dai Yongge, didn’t just fail to pay the players—he wasn’t paying the staff or even the taxman! This meant they got hammered with six points deducted last season, adding up to a massive 18 points taken away over three seasons. Now, Reading are fighting to get back on track.
Players Who Played for Both Teams
Let’s take a look at some ballers who have played for both clubs.
First up, Jason Roberts. He was a beast at Wigan from 2004-2006, scoring 37 goals in 93 games. Then, he joined Reading in 2012 and wrapped up his career there, netting six goals in 28 games. Now? He’s the chief football development officer at CONCACAF!
Ali Al-Habsi was Wigan’s main man in goal for five years, playing 136 games before moving to Reading in 2015. He made 78 appearances for the Royals, and fun fact: if he wasn’t a footballer, he would’ve been a fireman!
Then there’s Noel Hunt. He didn’t do much at Wigan, with just seven appearances and no goals. But at Reading? He was a key player, scoring 33 goals in 145 games.
Finally, Adam Le Fondre, who had a short loan spell at Wigan but really made his name at Reading, scoring 39 goals in 104 games. He’s now back with Reading, coaching the under-21s.
Predicted Lineup
In goal, it’s got to be Joel Pereira after Boyce-Clarke’s shaky performance on Tuesday. The defense will likely stay the same as it was against Birmingham, with Abrefa, Mbengue, Bindon, and Dorsett holding the backline, especially since Yiadom is still out.
Midfield? Ben Elliott should be back in after we missed him on Tuesday. He’ll probably play alongside Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs. I’m calling it now—Elliott’s going to score!
As for the front three, expect to see Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Sam Smith, and Andre Garcia. Ehibhatiomhan has been on fire this season, so he’s a lock for the starting XI, and Garcia showed some flashes of brilliance last time out.
This match is going to be intense, with both teams desperate to bounce back after tough seasons. Get ready for a cracking game!
