Well the M4 is open again and everyone's off to watch what will largely be two reserve sides playing in the cup competition that no-one has any respect for any more.
Won't repeat the miserable playing record Reading have v Arsenal but suffice to say that the run must end one day and tonight is as good as any other occasion. When it does happen though I hope it is a thoroughly painful end (so probably getting back to the PL and doing them over right at the end a season preventing them from winning the title or getting into the CL would be a better way to break it).
As to team news, well that's largely perm any 11 from those fit and who haven't played a lot recently. No clue about the situation over Quinn, Mendes, Harriott and Jaakkola all of whom would be expected to play from the start if they were fit. Gunter misses out through suspension but then he wouldn't have played anyway so that was a well timed yellow card on Saturday. Cooper and Meite both may play some part if not actually start tonight.
For those that know their Arsenal squad, the likely players starting will be Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Perez, Martinez, Maitland-Niles, Reine-Adelaide, Jenkinson plus possibly Giroud.
The referee tonight is Oxfordshire's Graham Scott
Previously...
21 Nov 2009 > Reading 2-1 Blackpool
03 Jan 2011 > Reading 2-1 Burnley
21 Jan 2011 > Reading 0-1 Hull City
15 Sep 2013 > Reading 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
22 Feb 2014 > Reading 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
10 Feb 2015 > Reading 0-2 Leeds United
No goals scored and only 1 draw to show in the last 4 games with Mr Scott.....
And Alex Fernandez is right behind the team tonight...
Alex Fernandez “Every Royal knows how important this game is against the Arsenal.
“I’ve played for and I am lucky to love a club like Reading - and I know that in football everything is possible.
“I hope and wish the team win this important match. I will be supporting my old team mates and friends like Danny, Jordan, McShane, McCleary, Gunter, Al-Habsi and the rest of the team as if I were on the same field.
“Reading was my first English club and I’m not kidding when I say I will always love this club. I always will be a Royal, for the win!