TheCable

Reading striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, hopes to continue his fine goal scoring form against Arsenal when his Championship side meet the Gunners in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.

The 32-year-old Nigerian has found the target five times against the North London team during his long career in England. He scored the winning goal that knocked out Derby County in the 5th round and he’s ready to down Arsene Wenger and his team as well.

“We’re not just going there to play. We’re going there to give it our best to win,” he said.

“I can’t remember how many exactly, but I know I always score against Arsenal.”

Reading, who are struggling for survival in the Championship, will have to produce one of the great FA Cup upsets to beat holders Arsenal and reach the final for the first time.

The Gunners – winners of 16 of their last 18 matches in all competitions and victorious over Reading in all 12 competitive games– will be overwhelming favourites to face Liverpool or Aston Villa in an all-Barclays Premier League final on May 30.

However, the only thing in Reading’s favour is the FA Cup’s enduring capacity to deliver the most unlikely upsets, as illustrated by third tier Bradford City’s 4-2 4th round win at Chelsea in January after trailing 2-0.

And Yakubu believes they can upset the favourites.

“For sure we can beat them. You can beat any team. You have to believe,” he said.

“We are playing at Wembley against one of the best teams in England. It’s great for the players, the club, for the fans and for the community. Everyone is excited.

“Arsenal are a good team so when you play against them you have to be ready and focused. Any mistake they are going to punish you because they have great players. They pass the ball very well.

“So we just have to stick together, defend well and then hopefully we can surprise everyone.”