Preview: Arsenal vs. Reading

Arsenal host struggling Reading in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, looking for three points to move themselves closer to the Champions League places.

The Gunners trail fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur by four points in the table, but have a game in hand on their North London rivals.

Nigel Adkins takes charge of his first match as Reading manager and he will be seeking to end the club's run of five consecutive league defeats. The Royals are currently seven points adrift of safety with eight games left to play.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be without England pair Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott due to injuries, while Abou Diaby has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Kieran Gibbs faces a late fitness test, while Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey could be in contention to start.

Reading are likely to be without Danny Guthrie, Adam Federici, Jimmy Kebe and Jason Roberts through injury.

Recent form

Arsenal: DWWWLW

Reading: WLLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Arsenal: Fabianski; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Cazorla, Arteta, Ramsey; Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud

Reading: Taylor; Kelly, Mariappa, Harte, Shorey; Leigertwood, Karacan, McAnuff, McCleary, Robson-Kanu; Hunt

Sports Mole says: 3-1