Preview: Reading vs. Leeds United

Manager Steve Clarke will be hopeful that he can continue his impressive start at the Madejski Stadium when his team host Leeds United on Tuesday night.

Since replacing Nigel Adkins in December, Clarke has won five and lost just two of his 10 games in charge, with the Royals registering 11 points from their last six Championship fixtures.

Despite that run, Reading remain 13 points off a playoff position, but if they can maintain their momentum during the next few weeks, they could move into contention ahead of the run-in.

Midfielder Oliver Norwood could earn a recall after featuring as a substitute during the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Clarke will be keen for striker Pavel Pogrebnyak to continue his recent streak in front of goal with the Russian netting three times in his last five outings.

Leeds suffered their first defeat in five games at home to Brentford last weekend but boss Neil Redfearn will be happy with his side's displays in recent weeks.

Before Saturday's setback, the Yorkshire outfit had recorded eight points from four games, including a victory over league leaders Bournemouth.

Leeds have also proven a tough nut to crack in defence with just five goals being conceded in six games, which is a significant improvement on their previous record of letting in 17 goals in 10 matches.

Redfearn has hinted that he could keep the same starting lineup for the trip to Berkshire.

Reading:

Form in Championship: WDLDWW Form in all competitions: DLWDWW

Possible starting lineup: Federici, Kelly, Hector, Pearce, Obita, McCleary, Williams, Norwood, Robson-Kanu, Cox, Pogrebnyak

Leeds United:

Form in Championship: LDDWWL Form in all competitions: LDDWWL

Possible starting lineup: Silvestri, Wootton, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor, Cook, Murphy, Byram, Austin, Sharp, Morison

Sports Mole says: 1-0