Preview: Reading vs. Liverpool

The Premier League's bottom club Reading host Liverpool this weekend knowing that a surprise win could lift them off the foot of the table.

Nigel Adkins's side go into the match in atrocious form having lost their last six games, a run that has left them eight points clear of safety.

Seventh-placed Liverpool, who are in good form with four wins in their last six, could move within a point of city rivals Everton if they see off Reading.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Raheem Sterling will miss out with a thigh problem, but Stewart Downing could start after recovering from injury.

Jimmy Kebe and Hope Akpan are not expected to feature for Reading due to fitness concerns.

Recent form

Reading: LLLLLL

Liverpool: WLWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Mariappa, Morrison, Kelly; Karacan, Leigertwood, Guthrie, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu; Le Fondre

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Downing, Coutinho; Suarez

Sports Mole says: 0-2