Preview: Aston Villa vs. Reading

Heading into this encounter, these two clubs currently occupy places in the relegation zone along with winless Queens Park Rangers.

As a result, victory for either will not only do their survival chances the power of good, but it will also plunge the loser into further relegation trouble.

Hosting Villa have struggled for wins under new manager Paul Lambert, although they did claim a commendable 0-0 draw when Arsenal visited Birmingham on Saturday evening.

Lambert may opt to freshen his starting lineup for this fixture, with Stephen Ireland and Marc Albrighton thought to be under consideration.

Meanwhile, Pavel Pogrebnyak could be recalled to the Reading team, with veteran striker Jason Roberts tipped to sit out.

Recent form

Aston Villa: DLLWWD

Reading: LWDDLD

Possible starting lineups:

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Stevens; Westwood, Weimann, Ireland, Albrighton; Agbonlahor, Benteke

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Shorey, Gorkss, Morrison; Leigertwood, Tabb, McAnuff, McCleary; Pogrebnyak, Le Fondre

Sports Mole says: 2-2