Preview: Reading vs. Wigan Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

Reading face Wigan Athletic at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday in a crucial clash at the bottom of the Championship.

Wigan are two points adrift of safety after an impressive win against Millwall on Saturday, while Reading are just eight points clear of the Latics.

Match preview

Reading come into this match on a poor run of form that has seen them win just once in the league since New Year's Day.

Such a run has seen them plummet down the table and now with 12 matches still to play they are only eight points clear of their opponents Wigan.

Mark Bowen's side have the second worst home record in the division and have managed just 21 goals at the Madejski all season.

The potential return of Ovie Ejaria is a bonus, but with a long list of injuries, the Berkshire side need to start winning games soon.

In contrast to Reading, Wigan have been in good form of late, winning three and losing just one of their last six Championship fixtures.

A Shaun Hutchinson own goal saw them past Millwall at the weekend, while a Kieffer Moore brace in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff in the previous fixture will have been seen as a real positive by manager Paul Cook.

The Latics have struggled for goals all season and have scored fewer than any other side in the league, with just 34 from 34 matches.

Wigan have also failed to win 35 of their last 38 Championship away matches and face a Reading side unbeaten in their last five matches against them.

Reading Championship form: LDDLWL Reading form (all competitions): DWDLWL

Wigan Championship form: WWLDDW

Team News

Midfielder Ejaria could return from injury for Reading after he missed out against Leeds United but remains a doubt to start.

Ayub Masika is also a doubt, having made his first appearance for the club earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Chris Gunter, Lucas Joao, Lucas Boye, Matt Miazga and Tom McIntyre have all been ruled out.

Wigan are without full-backs Danny Fox, Antonee Robinson and Dujon Sterling.

Everton loanee Kieran Dowell is also set to miss out.

Reading possible starting lineup: Cabral; Yiadom, Morrison, Moore, Richards; Pele, Rinomhota; Meite, Swift, Olise; Puscas

Wigan possible starting lineup: Marshall; Byrne, Balogun, Kipre, Naismith; Morsy, Evans; Pilkington, Williams, Jacobs; Moore

We say: Reading 1-1 Wigan

Reading have been in poor form recently but should be able to secure at least a draw against an inconsistent Wigan side. While Cook's men have improved of late, they remain in the bottom three and could lack the firepower to take all three points.