Reading are seeking their first win in six games when they host relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium.
A win could see Reading move closer to the playoffs, while the Trotters are still searching for their first away win this season.
Reading
© Getty Images
The Royals are very much in contention for promotion this season, despite a poor recent run, but their hopes of reaching the Premier League may depend on whether they keep hold of their manager.
Steve Clarke was thought to be close to becoming Fulham's new boss, but the latest indications suggest that the former Liverpool coach is now expected to remain at the Madejski Stadium after talks reportedly broke down.
Should Clarke remain in his post, then his immediate task will be to return Reading to winning ways, having gone five games without a victory.
They have lost two in that time, but their most recent defeat at Cardiff City last time out allowed the Bluebirds to leapfrog the Berkshire side in the race for a playoff place.
Nevertheless, Reading have not struggled for goals, scoring 23 times so far this season, despite the recent winless streak.
Indeed their top-scorer, Nick Blackman, has only scored one goal fewer than the entire Bolton side, who collectively mustered just 10 in their first 16 games.
Recent form: WDLDDL
Bolton Wanderers
© Getty Images
Like Reading, Bolton have very much been making headlines off the field rather than on it and the manager's position has also been in doubt.
However, unlike Clarke's on-off talks with Fulham, Neil Lennon's future looks set to be determined by ongoing cash flow issues.
The Northern Irishman candidly stated that the Trotters had "no money left", with debts thought to be as high as £173m and the club recently denying that they were on the verge of administration.
Trevor Birch has been drafted in to lead negotiations with would-be investors and buyers, with chairman Phil Gartside "seriously ill".
While Lennon has reportedly decided to stay on at the Macron Stadium, fortunes on the pitch look equally bleak, with financial problems blamed for the collapse of Rajiv van La Parra's loan switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Bolton also currently boast the least potent attack in the Championship, with Joe Mason scoring five of their 10 goals this season.
There is at least some good news on the transfer front, with Torquay United keeper Dan Lavercombe said to be nearing a move to the Lancashire outfit.
Recent form: LLDDLD
Team News
© Getty Images
Clarke will have to decide whether to recall Jordan Obita, Danny Williams and Garath McCleary, all of whom were dropped for the 2-0 defeat at Cardiff.
Stephen Quinn and Hal Robson-Kanu are both among the long-term injury absentees for the Royals.
Meanwhile, Bolton may need to choose one of Gary Madine and Shola Ameobi in attack as the Trotters look to score for the first time in four outings.
However, Tom Walker could be back in contention for a starting place, having missed the goalless draw with Bristol City due to a hip problem.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Al-Habsi; Gunter, Hector, Ferdinand, Taylor; Norwood, Fernandez; John, Vydra, Blackman; Sa
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Amos; Vela, Prince, Wheater, Casado; Spearing, Davies, Pratley, Dobbie; Feeney, Madine
Head To Head
On the face of it, Bolton's record against Reading looks reasonable (11 wins and 13 defeats in 31 matches), but recent results tell a different story.
In the last nine encounters, the Trotters have won only two, with both victories coming in the 2007-08 season when both teams were in the Premier League.
During that time, the Royals have triumphed in four games, including a 7-1 thrashing of Wanderers, which featured a hat-trick from Adam Le Fondre.
We say: Reading 3-0 Bolton
With Bolton's lack of away points (only two from a possible 24) and a dearth of goals in attack, it could prove to be another difficult afternoon for the Trotters. This might be Reading's best chance to rediscover their winning touch.
Chris O'Keefe
