Reading vs Wigan Athletic. Sky Bet Championship.
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Thursday 7 March 2019 17:31, UK
Reading have mounting injury concerns ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match against Wigan.
On-loan Norwich forward Nelson Oliveira picked up a hamstring problem in last weekend's win at Ipswich, so continues to be monitored. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, on loan from Arsenal, will be assessed on an ankle injury suffered during the warm-up at Portman Road, where he went on to play the full match. Anssi Jaakkola (Achilles) remains doubtful, so third-choice keeper, Sam Walker is on stand-by.
Striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (calf) continues his recovery, along with Sam Baldock (thigh), midfielders Andy Rinomhota and Saeid Ezatolahi (both ankle).
Wigan lost 2-1 at Derby in midweek and were dealt a further blow by a knee injury to recent signing Danny Fox. The former Nottingham Forest defender was forced off after half-an-hour and left with his knee in a brace ahead of further scans. Kal Naismith could come back into the side.
Forward Nick Powell is in contention for a starting place, having been brought off the bench for the closing stages at Pride Park following his recovery from illness. Josh Windass is another option should Paul Cook want to freshen up his team as they look to end a five-match winless run and stay clear of the relegation battle.
Reading are unbeaten in three league meetings against Wigan (W2 D1 L0), keeping three clean sheets.
Wigan have won three of their last four league visits to Reading (L1).
Reading won their last game against Ipswich, the Royals haven't won successive Championship games since December 2017.
Wigan are winless in their last 15 Championship away games since beating Stoke 3-0 in August (D3 L12).
Paul Cook will be the seventh different Wigan manager to manage the Latics in their last seven away league games against Reading - Jewell, Hutchings, Martinez, Rosler, Mackay, Barrow and Cook.
Reading's Nélson Oliveira has scored three of Reading's last six Championship goals, scoring in the Royals' most recent victory over Ipswich.
That was a huge result for Reading at Ipswich last Saturday, grabbing all three points so late in the day on a must-win afternoon.
Wigan were good for large portions of their defeat to Derby on Tuesday night, but still managed to lose the game. It was the kind of performance which showed why they have struggled so badly for points on the road this season. Reading here for me.
David Prutton predicts: 1-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)