Reading manager Steve Clarke has urged his players to produce the perfect game in order to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Clarke, who took over the Royals charge in December, said his team would have to do everything flawlessly at Wembley if they want to get better of Arsene Wenger's irrepressible Gunners.

"We have to play almost the perfect game. We have to be solid, resolute and mentally strong," said Clarke.

"What does perfection mean? It means no mistakes. If you make mistakes in possession and give the ball away to Arsenal they will punish you. You make silly mistakes in and around your penalty area, they have got players that will capitalise.

"How many times have teams of mine played a perfect game? Probably none. So it's a big ask, but you have to ask it.

"Maybe in the Championship you can make two or three mistakes in a game and the opposition are not quite good enough to take those chances. But you know if you make them against a top team they will take them. That is what we have to be aware of.

"I'd love to have 60 per cent possession at Wembley but you have to be realistic. Arsenal are going to have more of the ball than us, so we have to have a good defensive shape.

"We have to press at the right time and win the ball back, and when we do we have to show we can be a threat, because if we don't then for them it is a free afternoon. They can attack and attack and attack."

Reading sit 18th in the Championship and have one win in their last seven. Arsenal, the Cup holders, have won their last eight games on the bounce and 11 of their past 12 outings in all competitions.