Luton Town make the short trip to Reading on Wednesday evening knowing that only a win will do if they want to retain any hope of automatic promotion from the Championship.
The Hatters sit five points adrift of second-placed Sheffield United at a time when Reading occupy 22nd spot in the standings, a position in the relegation zone on goal difference.
Match preview
© Reuters
Although it appears increasingly unlikely that Luton will achieve automatic promotion, they deserve to be recognised as one of the teams of the EFL this season for what has been a relentless push under Rob Edwards.
The fanbase were initially unconvinced by the former Watford head coach, yet Saturday's 2-0 victory at Rotherham United extended their undefeated streak to 10 matches.
Luton's only defeat in 16 games is a 1-0 home defeat to Burnley, and Edwards will be desperate to retain that form ahead of their likely participation in the playoffs for the second season in succession.
Holding a nine-point lead over fifth place, Luton have nearly secured a home second leg in the playoff semi-finals, something which may prove to be the difference when the stakes are so high.
The Hatters also possess the second-best away record in the division, accumulated a remarkable 39 points from their 21 fixtures away from Kenilworth Road.
Reading can counter that by avoiding defeat in their most recent three home fixtures, securing draws with Birmingham City, Hull City and Burnley.
In the wake of Paul Ince being sacked, holding the latter to a goalless stalemate was one of Reading's results of the season, and potentially their most important.
Noel Hunt, who is in interim charge, knows that he realistically must end a nine-game winless streak sooner rather than later, but another draw on Wednesday would be gratefully received.
Reading have not conceded more than twice in a single match since March 4, a run stretching eight encounters, although they are playing a team who possess the best defensive away record in the Championship.
Team News
© Reuters
Andy Carroll may be restored to the Reading XI after he replaced youngster Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan for the final 28 minutes versus Burnley.
However, barring any injuries, Hunt will likely want to retain the rest of the team after they made such a strong impression against the runaway leaders.
Edwards will need to decide whether to retain Sonny Bradley in the Luton starting lineup after the defender played 90 minutes for the first time on Saturday since before the World Cup.
The likelihood is that Edwards will keep the same team, with Alfie Doughty remaining an injury doubt and the current midfield trio working well.
If an alteration is made, either Luke Berry or Luke Freeman could take the spot of Allan Campbell.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, Sarr, Guinness-Walker; Azeez, Hendrick, Casadei, Fornah; Joao, Ehibhatiomhan
Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Horvath; Burke, Bradley, Lockyer; Drameh, Nakamba, Mpanzu, Bell; Campbell; Morris, Woodrow
We say: Reading 0-2 Luton Town
Having successfully kept out Burnley on Saturday, Hunt will back his Reading side to do the same versus Luton. However, the visitors are more motivated than the nearly-crowned champions, and we feel that Edwards's side will cement their playoff place in style.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
