Preview:Bournemouth vs. Reading - prediction, team news, lineups

It is fourth versus first in the Championship at lunchtime on Saturday as Bournemouth host Reading.

The Royals are on a three-game losing streak and would be overtaken by the Cherries if they lose on the South Coast.

Match preview

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Veljko Paunovic made a magnificent start to life as Reading manager, going unbeaten in his first eight league matches which earned the club a six-point lead at the top of the table.

However their form has taken a dive recently and they headed into the international break off the back of two successive 3-0 home defeats to Preston North End and Stoke City.

Their once sturdy defence is now leaking goals and making a concerning number of errors, and they could lose top spot this weekend for the first time in over a month.

The international break came at just the right time for Paunovic, who has had the opportunity to refocus his squad and welcome key players back from injury as he aims to halt the slide in results.

The Royals have only lost once on the road this season – in their most recent away trip to Coventry City – but Bournemouth are yet to be beaten on home turf.

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The Cherries have already overcome fellow promotion-chasers Norwich City and Bristol City at the Vitality Stadium and will fancy their chances of adding Reading to that list.

Jason Tindall's side headed into the international break with a 3-1 win at Birmingham City thanks to Arnaut Danjuma's goal and a brace from David Brooks.

It was just their second victory in seven matches, which is indicative of how often they draw games more than anything else.

Bournemouth have won the last four meetings between these two sides and have not lost to Reading since April 2001, when Tindall was in the starting lineup along with predecessor Eddie Howe.

Bournemouth Championship form: DDWDLW

Reading Championship form: WWWLLL

Team News

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Lewis Cook required stitches after he suffered a shin injury that forced him off against Birmingham a fortnight ago, but Jason Tindall was hopeful that the midfielder would be available for selection against Reading.

Namesake Steve Cook is available for selection again after suspension.

Veljko Paunovic is hoping to welcome back Liam Moore, Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Meite to the side as Reading have struggled in their absence.

The Royals boss went with a back three for the first time this season last time out against Stoke, but considering the result and the fact that skipper Moore is now back, he is likely to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

That will give him a decision to make at right-back between Andy Yiadom and Tomas Esteves, while it could force Alfa Semedo out of the side.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup: Begovic; Mepham, Kelly, Rico; Stacey, Gosling, Lerma, Stanislas; Brooks, Solanke, Danjuma

Reading possible starting lineup: Rafael; Yiadom, Morrison, Moore, Richards; Rinomhota, Laurent; Meite, Olise, Ejaria; Joao

We say: Bournemouth 1-0 Reading

Reading will be hoping to start afresh after the international break, but a trip to Bournemouth could be as tough as it gets in the Championship this season and the Royals may slip to a fourth successive defeat against a Cherries side who hit top gear against Birmingham two weeks ago.

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