When : Saturday 30th November 2019
Where : DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Robin Park, Wigan, WN5 0UH
Capacity : 25,138
Away Stand : North Stand
What might I see in the area : Rugby League
And so, just over a year since the last trip, Reading find themselves scheduled to visit the mighty Latics from deepest darkest Wigan. A game where Reading can hopefully match the opposition on a more comfortable basis than either of the previous two games.
Wigan might be struggling but they do offer up a good battle to everyone so this will not be an easy game and to some casual observers Wigan may even be considered favourites with home advantage. The form though suggests otherwise with our northern friends being on a current run of only 2 points from their last 6 league games, however their last game saw them collect a point at Millwall so perhaps they have something to build on.
Leading scorer for Wigan is, unusually, defender Cheyenne Dunkley with 5 which is 3 more than a one else in their team after Pilkington got his second of the season at Millwall. This rather suggests to me they can be dangerous from set pieces while being less effective in open play.
Danny Fox will miss the game for Wigan through injury while Reading have a doubt over Sam Baldock. Joao and Jordan Obita are likely to be fit enough to be considered while Andy Yiadom will be available after completing his 1 match ban.
Referee
Jeremy Simpson.
Previously
22 Oct 2019 > Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Reading
23 Feb 2019 > Reading 1-1 Rotherham United
22 Sep 2018 > Reading 3-0 Hull City
21 Apr 2018 > Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Reading
14 Oct 2017 > Leeds United 0-1 Reading
31 Jan 2017 > Birmingham City 0-1 Reading
17 Dec 2016 > Blackburn Rovers 2-3 Reading
09 Sep 2016 > Reading 2-1 Ipswich Town (managed to book 9 players)
16 Apr 2016 > Leeds United 3-2 Reading
09 Jan 2016 > Huddersfield Town 2-2 Reading (FA Cup 3)
20 Oct 2015 > Rotherham United 1-1 Reading
Historically
This is the 45th league game against Wigan and so the 23rd trek to make use of their hospitality.
As you'd expect for most northern outposts the place is not a particularly happy one for Reading who have always found victories difficult to come by up there stretching all the way back to Wigan's inaugural FL season in 1978 when Reading crashed 3-0.
In the 22 games played, 11 have been lost and just 3 won. It took until the 13th visit to record a win (there were none whatsoever managed at Wigan's old home of Springfield Park) so at least the wins are in living memory. When Reading do win there though they win by at least 2 and always keep a clean sheet.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
