Reading host Arsenal on Monday evening as they look to claw themselves back to within touching distance of escaping out of the relegation zone.

Reading manager Brian McDermott is under pressure after seeing his side lose their last five Premier League matches.

The Royals have also fallen six points adrift of safety and after Reading lost 3-0 to Sunderland on Tuesday night, McDermott could make changes in defence by introducing Chris Gunter for Shaun Cummings.

Arsenal are still reeling from their defeat to Bradford City in the Capital One Cup in midweek.

Several first-team players failed to perform for the Gunners on Tuesday night and it is expected that manager Arsene Wenger will revert to the side that beat West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

One possible change could see Lukas Podolski return in place of Gervinho.

Recent form

Reading: WLLLLL

Arsenal: DWDDLW

Possible starting lineups

Reading: Federici; Shorey, Pearce, Mariappa, Gunter; Leigertwood, McAnuff, Tabb; Le Fondre, Hunt, McCleary

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Podolski

Sports Mole says: 1-3