Sideshow Bob

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United Under-21s face last-game drama - Official Manchester United Website

James Wilson is expected to be fit as Manchester United prepare for the final game of the regular Barclays Under-21 Premier League season at Reading.

The Reds conceded a last-minute equaliser to Norwich City at Old Trafford last week to ensure victory is still required at the Madejski Stadium in order to clinch a semi-final spot in the competition.

Leicester City's 3-2 triumph against Manchester City on Wednesday means the Foxes have gone ahead of Warren Joyce's team but, while a point would take United back into fourth, our Manchester neighbours would need to win their final fixture at home to Aston Villa to overtake United on goal difference. Hence, three points must be the order of the day for the Reds.

Chelsea have already won the league with Liverpool assured of second place. Fulham sit third but risk being usurped by both Manchester clubs.

Reading are a lowly 16th in the table but won 3-0 at Middlesbrough last time out and United suffered a 2-1 defeat against their Academy team earlier this month. The Royals have also lifted the Under-21 Premier League Cup, beating Manchester City in the two-legged final, and reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

As for team news, danger man Wilson was substituted during the 2-2 draw with Norwich with a groin problem but looks to have recovered in order to lead the line in the crucial fixture. James Weir came off the bench to score twice against the Canaries to promote his claims for a midfield berth while Ben Amos could replace Joel Castro Pereira in goal if he proves his fitness.
 
They'll be no mugs especially at their place. Good academy system at Reading. Hopefully can get a win though.
 
Team: Amos; Varela, McNair, Ekangamene, James; Rowley, Pearson; Janko, Rothwell, A.Pereira; Wilson.
Subs: J.Pereira, Rudge, Weir, Harrop, C.Evans.

Reading: Lincoln; Long, Keown, Sweeney (C), Griffin; Stacey, Tshibola, Kelly, Fosu; Ugwu, Tanner.
Subs: Ward, Dickie, Fridjonsson, Murombedzi, Cardwell
 
Fantastic end to the game. At 2-1 I was like "ah well, at least we can get Wilson on the bench for a few games now, and maybe a couple of others". Delighted they went through though. This is pretty much a 2nd string U21s too, so big acheivement to get through, not been an easy season for Warren Joyce. Used over 40 players this season and has only recently been able to play a consistent 11. Liverpool in the semis apparently.
 

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