Attack is best form of defence for Reading

Reading have vowed to throw everything at Chelsea when the newly-promoted side visit the European champions tonight.

The Royals marked their 
return to the Barclays Premier League on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Stoke thanks to a 90th-minute penalty from Adam Le Fondre.

Brian McDermott’s men face a very different task this evening when they visit Stamford Bridge to take on a revitalised Blues team with an embarrassment of riches. With the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar facing them, the Royals could be forgiven for playing defensively in the hope of salvaging a draw but Reading midfielder Mikele Leigertwood insists the underdogs will go on the attack in west London.

“You can’t go in to any games fearing teams or sitting back. You have to attack and put teams under pressure and I’m sure we’ll do that,” Leigertwood said.

“We have pace in the side and strength up front with Pog [Pavel Pogrebnyak]. We’ll play with a high tempo and that will be good for us. We want to give a good account of ourselves.”