Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the FA Cup semi-final between holders Arsenal and Reading at Wembley Stadium. It's a gloriously sunny day in North London, perfect conditions for such a tie. Team news is in, so let's crack on.

READING: Federici; Gunter, Obita, Pearce, Hector; Williams, Chalobah, McCleary, Robson-Kanu; Mackie, Pogrebnyak

READING SUBS: Andersen, Kelly, Cooper, Karacan, Norwood, Cox, Yakubu

Reading boss Steve Clarke has made two changes to his side after seeing them lose to Bournemouth in the Championship in midweek. Danny Williams returns in midfield, while Pavel Pogrebnyak is back up front. Jem Karacan drops to the bench, while Nathan Ake is cup-tied.

ARSENAL: Szczesny; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Coquelin, Ramsey; Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis; Welbeck

ARSENAL SUBS: Ospina, Gabriel, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud

Arsene Wenger has made four changes to his starting XI following last weekend's 1-0 win away to Burnley in the Premier League. The big news is that Mathieu Debuchy makes his first appearance in over three months after recovering from a shoulder injury, while Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs and Danny Welbeck are also given the nod. David Ospina, Nacho Monreal and Olivier Giroud drop to the bench, with Hector Bellerin missing out altogether.

Arsene Wenger: "It wouldn't be intelligent to turn up thinking we've won. They have many players who have Premier League experience, good offensive potential and are very efficient. [Steve Clarke] has good experience so he knows exactly what will happen. I'm sure he will prepare Reading very well."

Arsene Wenger clearly isn't taking a place in the FA Cup final for granted today. However, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal are likely to go through. The Gunners are on a superb run of form at the moment, winning their last eight matches in all competitions. They sealed their place in the last four of the FA Cup by seeing off Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, with former Red Devil Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal. It would appear that the striker has been rewarded for that by being given a place in the starting lineup this afternoon.

Steve Clarke: "We have to play well, the perfect game with no mistakes and have to find a way to score a goal. In football anything is possible, it's 11 versus 11. If we can play to our maximum then we have a chance to go through."

The Reading manager believes that his side can cause an upset today, but they will have to shake off their recent poor form if they want to do so. The Royals have failed to win any of their last five games, with their most recent victory coming in their quarter-final replay against Bradford City. The Berkshire-based club have also never reached an FA Cup final, so there's history to be made for them this afternoon.

One thing that Arsenal and Reading have provided in past meetings is goals. In fact, a total of 24 have been scored in their last three matches against each other. The most recent of those was a memorable 7-5 win for the Gunners in 2012, which saw them fight back from 0-4 down to book their spot in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Speaking of classic matches, we've compiled a list if five thrilling FA Cup semi-finals. If you've got a few minutes to spare, why not take a look here.

HEAD TO HEAD: The bad news for Reading is that they've lost all 12 of their previous matches against Arsenal. What's more, the Gunners have scored a total of 37 goals during those clashes. That's more than three per game.

You have to wonder what Steve Clarke must be thinking when he looks to that Arsenal starting lineup and bench. The likes of Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck are sure to give Reading a difficult afternoon indeed, but they holders also have a bench packed with talent. Should he need to, Arsene Wenger can call on Wilshere, Giroud and Walcott.

That said, Arsenal will have to be careful when dealing with Reading. Pavel Pogrebnyak is sure to take a physical approach, while Jamie Mackie's tireless running is going to be key if they Royals are to cause an upset. Elsewhere, Robson-Kanu is capable of creating something from nothing if given the chance.

Reading defender Alex Pearce: "This year's cup run has been great. It's kind of strange how we haven't replicated our cup form in the league. That is a bit down to consistency levels from the players, we'll admit that ourselves.

"We've had a bit of luck in the cup to get where we are but sometimes you need that and we deserve to be where we are. We haven't won since Bradford but we feel like we're due a win and we haven't played that badly in the last few games.

"Having spoken to the manager and the lads, we can't quite believe that we've only picked up three points from our last four matches because we've played well in those games. Saturday is a one off and we'll be going into it in high spirits and with a positive attitude to get a good result."

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey: That sort of pressure has gone because we won something last season, so there is no more of this nine years [without a trophy talk]. I suppose that's sort of gone but we are big favourites and we have to go into the game switched on and ready for them, because anything can happen in these stages of the FA Cup.

"Their league form this season has been up and down, but anything can happen on the day. So we will have to start well, which we have been doing lately in games, and hopefully finish the job off."

The Gunners certainly won't be taking Reading lightly considering what happened in last year's semi-final. Arsene Wenger's men were close to being knocked out by then-holders Wigan Athletic, but they eventually scraped through on penalties before going on to clinch their first piece of silverware since 2005.

STAT ATTACK! Reading have conceded just two goals in their five FA Cup matches this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal are taking part in their 10th semi-final in the past 18 seasons.

PREDICTION TIME! It would be foolish to look beyond Arsenal this afternoon, but we all know what the FA Cup is about. It would not be the first time that a lower-league side dumped out one of the big boys, even at this stage of the competition. That said, if Arsenal are allowed to play and have their attacking stars in the mood, this could end up being a comfortable victory for the reigning champions.

The sun continues to shine gloriously at Wembley Stadium as one of world football's most famous arenas starts to fill up. Of course, it's not far for the Arsenal fans to travel, but Reading have done their bit by bringing huge numbers from Berkshire.

The teams are starting to emerge in the Wembley Stadium tunnel as we edge closer to kickoff. There are plenty of intense-looking faces among the players. They don't need telling how important this game is.

And here they come!

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match rituals have been done, and it will be Reading to kick this FA Cup semi-final off. Here we go!

It's been a lively start to the game, with both sides going on the attack early on. Reading certainly don't look nervous. Mackie is already snapping away at the heels of the Arsenal defenders.

CHANCE! Arsenal come close to opening the scoring as Gibbs sets Welbeck free down the left. The forward tries to get on the end of the ball, but it runs away from him and Federici clears up the danger. An early warning there for Reading in terms of Welbeck running the channels.

SAVE! What a great stop from Federici to keep the score at 0-0! A corner from the right is met by Mertesacker at the near post, but the German's header is pushed away by the Reading goalkeeper from close range. Superb reflexes from the Australian. Arsenal are cranking up the pressure now.

Reading go straight up the other end and create themselves an opening as Obita tries his luck from about 30 yards. However, his low drive is held by Szczesny.

It's been entertaining so far, that's for sure! Arsenal remain on top with their incisive forward play, but Reading are showing plenty of fight in the centre of the pitch and higher up as well.

Now it's Reading's turn to apply some pressure as McCleary's effort is deflected out for a corner. The resulting set piece is punched in low from the right, but Arsenal are able to see out the danger. The Royals can take plenty of encouragement from the start that they've made. They're starting to find a bit more of a groove now.

CHANCE! My word, how close was that? Ozil comes within inches of making the breakthrough for Arsenal with a curled free kick from the edge of the box following a foul on Welbeck. The German tries to find the top corner, only to see the ball whistle narrowly off target.

Arsenal's passing is needing to be crisp and precise because Reading are buzzing around in midfield with lots of energy. The Championship side are snapping away, trying to win back the ball at every opportunity, which is making life tough for the Gunners.

The Gunners probe around in midfield before Cazorla has a crack from about 25 yards. It's not a bad effort, but the Spaniard puts just a bit too much on it and curls the ball over the crossbar.

Arsenal won't be feeling too frustrated just yet, but they're certainly being made to work hard to break Reading down. The Royals are defending diligently, while they're also remaining competitive in midfield. The holders aren't having things all their own way at the moment.

CHANCE! Cazorla threads a wonderful ball through to Sanchez, who gets there before the onrushing Federici, but the Chilean pokes an effort wide with a couple of Reading defenders breathing down his neck. That was a tough opportunity for Sanchez, who showed great pace to reach Cazorla's pass.

Coquelin is lucky not to get booked as he wipes out Pgrebnyak with a robust challenges. Reading are enjoying a good spell at the minute. They're hungry to get forward and ask questions of the Arsenal defence, with Mackie in particular doing a lot of running.

It's clear that Reading have put their poor recent form behind them so far today. They don't look like a team that's on the periphery of a relegation battle in the Championship. Steve Clarke's men are looking fairly comfortable right now in terms of managing this game. The Royals are having to rely on their mettle in midfield, but that's not a bad thing.

Arsenal have seen a bit more of the ball in the last few minutes, but they're struggling to make anything of their possession. They're having to take a patient approach as a wall of Reading shirts is what greets them when they try to get forward.

We've not seen too many chances in the last 10 minutes or so, but it's Arsenal who draw first blood thanks to Alexis Sanchez! Ozil does brilliantly on the edge of the box to pick out the Chilean, who shows great feet inside the area with plenty of Reading players around him before slotting through Federici's legs and into the back of the net.

That goal is sure to calm Arsenal down. They were really finding it hard to breach the Reading defence before Sanchez popped up with that. Meanwhile, Williams is fortunate not to go into the book after bundling over the goalscorer with unnecessary force.

Arsenal are finishing the half strongly now. They win a couple of corners in quick succession that Reading just about deal with. The Gunners are looking like a different side.

There will be at least ONE MINUTE of added time...

YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the game sees Chalobah get cautioned for chopping down Gibbs.

Martin Atkinson blows the half-time whistle, bringing the curtain down on an entertaining opening 45 minutes at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal have struggled at times, but they lead 1-0 thanks to a clinical strike from Alexis Sanchez.

Reading can be happy with how they've performed so far. The Royals have offered stubborn resistance - something that Steve Clarke will be eager to see again after the restart. However, they will be disappointed to have conceded with half time so close.

What can Reading do in the second half to get themselves back in the match? They've defended well and shown plenty of fight in midfield, but Pogrebnyak and Mackie may need a bit more support higher up the pitch. Also, the Royals have used the wide areas more often than not so far, though they may want to try taking a more central approach after the break.

Arsenal haven't done a great deal wrong so far, but they will be looking to be a bit more clinical in the final third. Some indecision and disappointing movement has hindered them so far. Meanwhile, a bit more creativity is needed from midfield if they want to book their place in the final.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out for the second half and it will be Arsenal to kick us off again. No changes from either manager during the interval.

Arsenal have seen the majority of the ball since the restart, though Reading are doing a good job of chasing them down and putting pressure on them. The Gunners launch a quick break that ends with Sanchez losing possession before Mertesacker heads wide from Cazorla's dangerous inswinging free kick.

Arsenal are having to sit back a bit more now as Reading take control of this game. The Royals put together a neat passing move out on the left, but it all comes undone when Robson-Kanu's cross goes out of play for a goal kick. That was a poor delivery, to say the least.

Reading are rewarded for their hard work as Gareth McCleary nets them an equaliser! A cross from the left is met by the midfielder, who sees his deflected shot make its way past Szczesny. There was some initial confusion as to whether the ball crossed the line, but Martin Atkinson got the signal and awarded the Royals the goal. Game on!

Reading really have the wind in their sails now. Steve Clarke's side are knocking the ball about with plenty of confidence, while Arsenal are forced back to defend. It's suddenly all Reading.

For all of Reading's desire and energy, you get the feeling that it might be wave after wave of Arsenal attack during the final half an hour of normal time. They're starting to compose themselves a bit more, building some possession. Remember, this game will go to extra time and penalties if it needs to.

ARSENAL SUB: The Gunners make their first change of the game as Gabriel Paulista replaces Mertesacker. The German looks to be struggling with a knock.

Nothing's working for Arsenal at the moment. That final bit of quality just isn't there, as demonstrated by Ramsey's wayward pass deep inside Reading territory. Will Arsene Wenger look to his bench again soon? Walcott and Giroud are both there to be used. This could be just the type of match that Walcott would relish as Reading's legs start to tire.

CHANCE! Reading come close to turning this game on its head as Mackie tees up Williams on the edge of the box, but the midfielder's volley goes wide of the post. He knows that he should have done better there.

OFF THE WOODWORK! Now it's Arsenal who almost take the lead as Gabriel meets a cross at the near post, but his header is tipped onto the crossbar brilliantly by Federici. What a fine save from the Aussie!

ARSENAL SUB: The Gunners make their second change as Olivier Giroud takes the place of Welbeck, who has faded the more that the afternoon has worn on.

MISS! Gabriel really should score here. A free kick from the right is whipped in by Ozil, but the Brazilian gets his header all wrong and nods off target. The ball should have been buried in the back of the net there.

We're all set for a thrilling final 15 minutes at Wembley. Both sides look like they're far from done in terms of going out to win this contest, which is refreshing to see. You would expect Arsenal to push forward more and more, but it's good that Reading are also still willing to have a go.

Reading threaten as Pogrebnyak is set free down the left. The big striker has a cluster of Arsenal shirts around him, but he still manages to get a shot away that goes wide. Arsenal then go up the other end before Ozil blazes over from the edge of the box. It's end-to-end stuff.

OFF THE POST! Ramsey has a place in the FA Cup final on a plate for his side, but he somehow rattles the post from close range when it looked easier to score! What a terrible miss!

It's all Arsenal now as we head into the final five minutes of normal time. The Gunners are throwing everything at Reading, who are just about holding on.

What a shocker from Pogrebnyak. The striker leads a two-on-one counter-attack with Mackie by his side, but he instead tries to take on Gabriel before poking a tame effort at Szczesny. What poor decision making from the Russian. Woeful stuff.

READING SUB: The Royals make a change, with Jem Karacan replacing Robson-Kanu. This one looks like it's going to extra time...

There will be TWO MINUTES of added time...

We will have extra time. Credit to Reading, who battled really hard in that second half. Meanwhile, Arsenal have been well below par pretty much all afternoon.

How will Ramsey be feeling about that miss with eight minutes left? The Welshman saw his initial effort saved by Federici, but he somehow struck the upright with the rebound when it looked easier to score.

EXTRA TIME UNDERWAY! The teams have been briefed by their managers during the interval and it will be Reading to kick off extra time.

Arsenal have come out fighting at the start of extra time, taking the game to Reading. The first chance since the restart falls to Cazorla, but the Spaniard's drive from 25 yards flies over the crossbar.

Reading haven't done too much in terms of pressing during extra time so far. They're playing it safe, and who can blame them? Would the Royals take penalties now? Probably.

The Gunners are dominating possession and it looks like Walcott is getting ready to come on. The England international will be told to run at the tiring Reading defence.

ARSENAL SUB: Walcott does indeed enter the action, replacing Coquelin.

CHANCE! Ramsey almost atones for his earlier miss by firing a low drive towards goal from 25 yards. Federici makes a bit of a mess of it, but the ball just about goes over the crossbar. The resulting corner comes to nothing.

Arsenal take the lead in extra time, but what a howler from Federici. Sanchez makes some room on the left before getting a tame shot away towards goal. However, Federici allows the ball to go between his legs and over the line. The Aussie looks devastated.

What a cruel end to the first period of extra time for Reading. They've battled tremendously, only for a freak goalkeeping error to gift Arsenal the lead. Will the Gunners be able to hold on now? Reading need a goal to force a penalty shootout. The Royals make a change as Chalobah is replaced by Simon Cox.

SECOND HALF OF EXTRA TIME UNDERWAY! The game is up and running again as Arsenal kick us back off.

YELLOW CARD! Martin Atkinson has no choice by to book Gabriel after the Brazilian brings down Williams following a strong run from the Reading midfielder.

READING SUB: One last roll of the dice for Steve Clarke as he brings on Yakubu for Pogrebnyak.

OFF THE POST! Arsenal come close to wrapping the game up as Ozil feeds Giroud before the Frenchman smacks the woodwork with a low effort from a difficult angle.

Reading are pushing forward a fair bit now as the clock ticks down. They've got to throw everything at Arsenal, even if that leaves them open at the back.

Arsene Wenger is down on the touchline, urging his players to keep their shape. This is going to be a frantic final couple of minutes. Reading are still putting the pressure on Arsenal.

There it is! Arsenal are through to the FA Cup final for the second consecutive year after beating Reading over 120 minutes. It wasn't vintage Gunners, but they will be thrilled to have come through such a difficult test. Meanwhile, Reading can hold their heads very high indeed following an heroic display at Wembley.

That's all from our live text coverage of today's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction right here on Sports Mole. Thanks again for your company, we hope to see you soon.