London, Aug 21: Reading survived a harsh defeat at the hands of Stoke City earlier this week, thanks to the Adam Le Fondre's late penalty which earned them a 1-1 at the Madejski Stadium. But they now face European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

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The Blues got off to a firing start away against Wigan, killing the game off within seven minutes. Their £32m recruit Eden Hazard made his Premier League debut with flying colours, providing both the assists.

Striker Fernando Torres failed to get on the scoresheet yet again and remained a frustrated figure at the DW Stadium. Veteran Frank Lampard was at his best in midfield while new signing Brazilian Oscar came off the bench to be a constant threat.

Although Chelsea and Petr Cech kept a clean sheet, there were many scary moments at the back for John Terry and David Luiz. The central defenders along with full-backs Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic failed to deal with teasing crosses.

Roberto di Matteo may opt for the same XI as Ramirez is still suffering with injury. Defender Gary Cahill could settle on the bench while midfielder Raul Meireles could start after making a late entry against the Latics.

Reading have beaten Chelsea at the Bridge in nine previous meetings. It is clear who are favourites but Brian McDermott's side have lost just 1 competitive fixture in the last nine games prior to their promotion.

Winger Garath McCleary, who came on as a substitute and won the penalty against Stoke, could start the game as the Royals would fit in a midfielder to provide more space and block Chelsea's forward push.

Striker Pavel Pogrebnyak could be benched while veteran Jason Roberts serves his final match ban. McDermott confirmed midfielder Jimmy Kebe will miss the start of the season.

Trivia: Reading last beat Chelsea in a competitive fixture back in November 1926.

Kick Off 12:15 AM IST Wednesday, Stamford Bridge.

Probable Lineups:

Chelsea (4-4-1-1): Cech-Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Cole-Lampard, Mikel, Oscar, Hazard, Mata-Torres.

Reading (4-4-2): Federici-Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte-McCleary, Guthrie, Leigertwood, McAnuff-Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre.

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