Reading play host to Sunderland on Wednesday evening looking for the victory which would keep them in the top three of the Championship standings.
Meanwhile, Sunderland make the trip to Berkshire as high as eighth spot, despite failing to put together consecutive victories in the second tier this season.
Match preview
© Reuters
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II led to Reading and Sunderland having an unforeseen weekend off, with the home side having to bide their time before they attempt to build on a run of four wins in five matches.
Two goals from Lucas Joao against Stoke City last time out ensured that Paul Ince's team would remain in contention at the top of the table.
Reading fans know from past experiences that they should not get carried away at this stage, but there is also little reason not to be optimistic about the job that Ince continues to do at the Berkshire outfit.
At a time when their best work has come at their home ground, Ince and the club's supporters will expect to add a further three points to their total, potentially opening up a gap over seventh spot and lower.
© Reuters
On the back of starting his Sunderland reign with a 3-0 victory over Rotherham United, Tony Mowbray would have been quietly confident about further success in the derby with Middlesbrough.
However, the Black Cats went down to a 1-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium, also losing Ross Stewart to an injury in the warm-up.
Mowbray must now look to get a reaction out of a team that can still be positive about their beginning of the season given the circumstances surrounding the change in manager.
Although their away record this season is hit and miss, a return of six points from a possible 12 is one of the best returns in the division.
That said, they conceded late goals against Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light to only draw those matches, and they can ill-afford further lapses in concentration against a potential playoff rival.
- L
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
Team News
- D
- L
- W
- L
- W
- L
Team News
© Reuters
If Mamadou Loum is passed fit for Reading, the midfielder could take the place of Shane Long.
That would see Thomas Ince partner Joao in attack, dropping into a deeper position when the Royals do not have the ball.
Baba Rahman may get the nod at left wing-back with Junior Hoilett only featuring among the replacements.
With Stewart likely to be absent for the remainder of the year, Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo could be drafted into the starting lineup.
Although Leon Dajaku is back in contention after injury, the German is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.
From the team which was selected for the Middlesbrough match, Patrick Roberts could miss out on a starting spot.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre; Yiadom, Hendrick, Loum, Fornah, Rahman; Ince, Joao
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; O'Nien, Batth, Cirkin; Gooch, Neil, Evans, Clarke; Pritchard, Diallo; Simms
We say: Reading 2-1 Sunderland
With two away wins to their name already this season, Sunderland will fancy their chances on Wednesday evening. However, Reading have a perfect record at home, leading us to predict a narrow victory for the Royals.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
