Preview: Stoke City vs. Reading

Reading can capitalise on Stoke City's recent run of form in the Premier League when they go head to head at the Britannia this weekend.

Royals boss Brian McDermott can lead his side to six points clear of the relegation zone if they manage to clinch a victory on home turf.

Meanwhile, Stoke, who have suffered four victories in their last six matches, are in danger of dropping down two spots from 10th in the table if the teams below them are able to snatch maximum points over the weekend.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis may opt to keep Peter Crouch up front for the Potters this weekend, while McDermott may be tempted to start Adam Le Fondre due to his impressive run of form.

Recent form

Stoke: LDLLL

Reading: WDWWL

Possible starting lineups

Stoke: Begovic; Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Wilkinson; Walters, Cameron, Nzonzi, Whelan, Etherington; Crouch

Reading: Federici; Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte; Kebe, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Le Fondre; Pogrebnyak, Akpan

Sports Mole says: 1-1