Bournemouth can take a step closer to automatic promotion in the Championship on Tuesday night when they make the trip to Reading.
The Cherries currently hold a one-point lead at the top of the table, and they will be eager to leave the Madejski Stadium with a win as the chasing pack stays in hot pursuit.
Reading
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The Royals have seen their bid for survival splutter in recent weeks, with five winless games leaving them 11 points clear of safety.
While their status in the second tier is almost secure, a defeat on Tuesday could see them looking over their shoulder during what may end up being a nervy finale to the season.
Their biggest problem since the start of April has been turning draws into victories. Steve Clarke's men have shared the spoils in their last three games, including a stalemate with Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.
The hosts were dominant throughout the encounter at the Madejski, but a resilient Blackburn defence meant that they had to settle for a point.
That match summed up much of their campaign in terms of scoring goals. The Berkshire-based outfit have found the back of the net just 44 times in their 41 games so far, with Pavel Pogrebnyak currently their top scorer on nine goals.
As with a team that is struggling at the wrong end of the standings, their defensive performances are also in need of improvement. Despite keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets so far, 63 goals conceded means that they are shipping around 1.5 per 90 minutes - the sixth worst record in the division.
Recent form: WLLDDD
Recent form (all competitions): LWLDDD
Bournemouth
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The Championship leaders know that a victory on Tuesday night would see them tighten their grip at the top of the standings.
Eddie Howe's men have been in impressive form since the start of March, going on an eight-game unbeaten run that has included six wins. Fourteen points from their last six matches puts them joint top with Norwich City at the summit of the league's form table.
Their last two outings have ended in triumph, most notably their comeback victory over Birmingham City over the Easter weekend. Finding themselves 2-0 down at Dean Court, the Cherries fought back to pick up three vital points in their bid to finish in the top two.
Bournemouth boast the league's best attack, having scored 89 goals in their 42 games so far. They also have the second best defence in the division, with 16 clean sheets and 43 goals conceded since the start of the campaign.
A huge boost to the team's aspirations of reaching the Premier League has been that goals have come from all areas of the pitch. While Callum Wilson and Brett Pitman have found the net 44 times between them, Matt Ritchie and Harry Arter have also chipped in with a combined total of 23 goals from midfield.
Their midweek trip to Reading starts what looks to be a relatively-simple finale to the season for Bournemouth, with matches against Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic to come. However, knowing how unpredictable the Championship is, it is unlikely that they will be taking anything for granted yet.
Recent form: WDWDWW
Team News
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The visitors are likely to name their strongest possible side as they look to give their hopes of automatic promotion a boost.
However, they could be without Matt Ritchie, who suffered a gashed shin during their recent win at Brighton & Hove Albion. Callum Wilson and Marc Pugh are also expected to face late fitness tests, though the pair are likely to be available.
Meanwhile, Reading may be tempted to rest key personnel ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium at the weekend.
Players such as Hal Robson-Kanu, Jamie Mackie and Jordan Obita may all have to settle for places on the bench, while Danny Williams remains doubtful after picking up a knee injury while on international duty with the USA.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Federici; Gunter, Ake, Pearce, Hector; Akpan, Norwood, Karacan, Robson-Kanu; Yakubu, Pogrebnyak
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Boruc; Daniels, Elphick, Cook, Francis; Pugh, Surman, Arter, Ritchie, Kermorgant; Wilson
Head To Head
Bournemouth coasted to a 3-0 win when the sides met at Dean Court back in October as two goals from Brett Pitman helped them on their way to claiming the points.
The Cherries have also been the dominant side in recent years, winning their last three games against the Royals. Reading's most recent triumph came back in April 2001.
However, Reading have the better overall record when it comes to past meetings, with 41 victories compared to 39 wins for their opponents. They have also played out a total of 25 draws.
We say: Reading 0-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth have it all to play for during the final weeks of the season, and their hunger to reach the Premier League should see them earn another three points on Tuesday. What could make their task easier is that Reading will almost certainly have one eye on the FA Cup semi-finals, something which could compromise the home side's performance.
Jack Prescott
