• Reading v Arsenal, Premier League

Wenger keen to get back to winning ways

Olivier Giroud has declared himself fit to face Reading © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to resume their good away form following the shock Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League Two Bradford.

The Gunners travel to the Premier League's bottom side Reading buoyed by the knowledge that they have already overcome a 4-0 deficit to win 7-5 against Brian McDermott's side this season and have only lost twice in eight outings on the road in the Premier League.

"Our results are quite consistent and good away from home," Wenger said. "We had a good game against West Brom and it's important to confirm that in our next away game at Reading. If you look at our season at the moment, we have not produced our performances at home. We've had more draws, especially at home and that is where we have lost the points.

"There has been disappointment and frustration [this week], but that is normal when you go out in a competition like that. However, having said that, we can only look at ourselves, get on with it and look to the future."

Eighth-placed Arsenal can move up to fifth, two points behind Tottenham in fourth, if they beat Reading on Monday night. And they could be aided by the return of French striker Olivier Giroud, who tweeted on Friday: "I'm ready to play on Monday against Reading."

Injured duo Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott are doubts, but could feature at some stage. Reading, meanwhile, are expected to welcome back winger Jimmy Kebe in some capacity while strikers Pavel Pogrebnyak and Jason Roberts could also be in line to return at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading player to watch: Danny Guthrie skipped Reading's away defeat to Sunderland after telling the side his 'head was not right". He has since apologised but will know that actions speak louder than words should McDermott grant him a return to the side.

Arsenal player to watch: Jack Wilshere was one of the few Gunners to emerge with any credit from their Capital One Cup embarrassment. The England midfielder looks to be rediscovering his match sharpness, and not a minute too soon for club and country.

Betting: Giroud is becoming an increasingly vital figure for Arsenal. Back the Frenchman to score as the Gunners bounce back with a win at 5/1 with bet365

Prediction: 0-2

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