Arsenal and Reading will tangle in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday. (Getty)
Arsenal’s quest for back-to-back FA Cup titles continues on Saturday as Championship side Reading attempts to pull off a huge upset at Wembley Stadium. When Arsenal captured the trophy last year, it ended an incredible nine-year drought for the club.
Reading have had the dream draw with no Premier League opposition before Saturday. In the quarterfinals, Reading defeated Bradford 3-0 in a replay after the first match was goalless while Arsenal had to defeat Manchester United to advance.
Arsenal and Reading have not played since the 2012-2013 season, the Royals’ last in the top flight. The teams also played out a memorable League Cup match that season, won by the Gunners. Despite the long history of both clubs — Reading was founded in 1871 and Arsenal 1886 — the teams have played just 13 times. Arsenal have won 12 times and drawn once.
Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Who:
What:
FA Cup semifinal
When:
Saturday, April 18
Where:
Wembley Stadium in London, England
Time:
12:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Channel:
FOX (US)/BBC 1(UK) (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Reading +900, Arsenal -450, Draw +500
Prediction:
4-0 Arsenal
Stats You Need to Know
Scouting Reading
Championship Record: 12-19-11, 18th (73 points)
Coach: Steve Clarke, 1st season
Goals Per Game: 1.04
Clean Sheets: 12
Leading Goal Scorer: Simon Cox, 8
Assist Leader: Jordan Obita, 7
Card Leader: Michael Hector/Jordan Obita, 8 yellow cards
Scouting Arsenal
Premier League Record: 20-6-6, 2nd (66 points)
Coach: Arsene Wenger 19th season
Goals Per Game: 1.96
Clean Sheets: 10
Leading Goal Scorer: Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, 14
Assist Leader: Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez, 8
Card Leader: Calum Chambers, 7 yellow cards, 1 red card