Pavel Pogrebnyak "afraid" of Manchester City

Pavel Pogrebnyak has admitted that he is afraid of facing Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend.

The Reading striker says that the side have played poorly this season, and hopes they are not embarrassed at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

The 29-year-old told Sovsport.ru: "Maybe I'm influenced by my emotions but we're a bit afraid of travelling to Manchester. At least I am.

"I hope we don't concede 10 goals. I hope our manager will find something.

"Is it time for a change? As I see the situation it's high time for a change and it has been for a long time but it's not me who should be targeted with this question. Not only on Monday but we've been playing badly for a long time."

Reading are bottom of the Premier League table, having won just once so far this season.