Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Royals will stay up.

The Gunners' boss is confident we will avoid the drop, but will not do us any favours at the Emirates this weekend.

He told arsenal.com, "They will stay up, I believe.

"But we cannot feel sorry for anybody. We want maximum points and to have a strong finish to the season.

"But I believe Reading will stay up. They will be tight against us this time, more cautious because they would be happy with a point."

The Gunners are pushing for second place, which would mean they do not have to play a qualifier in next season's Champions League.

Wenger said, "Next season starts now. To be runner-up in the strongest league in the world would be a huge achievement.

"The way we finish now would give confidence to go and start next season strongly."

Wenger is without Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Eduardo this weekend, while Manuel Almunia could also miss out again.

The Royals will make changes, and Steve Coppell says Glen Little is likely to start.