Both Aston Villa and Reading have had chances to take the lead in the opening 45 minutes but it remains goalless at Villa Park.
The clearest openings of the first quarter of an hour fell to Reading, with Brad Guzan denying Hal Robson-Kanu from inside the six-yard box before Adam le Fondre wasted the rebound.
Moments later Christian Benteke was presented with a simple chance in the area but he didn't get enough power behind his shot as Adam Federici held on.
Villa perhaps should have been ahead in the 27th minute when Benteke pulled back to Andreas Weimann, who leant back on his shot from eight yards and ballooned over.
The hosts ended the half stronger and almost took the lead when Nathan Baker rose highest to meet Barry Bannan's corner but headed into the turf and wide.
Pascal Lemesre
