Reading head into Saturday's Championship fixture against Bristol City looking to end a three-match losing streak, a run which has led to the home side dropping out of the Championship playoff spots.
Meanwhile, Bristol City, who sit in 12th position in the standings, will move ahead of their hosts with victory at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Match preview
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On the back of such a promising, and equally surprising, start to the season, Reading supporters would have naturally hoped that their club could continue their growing momentum heading into the winter.
However, a four-match winless streak, which has included three successive defeats, have left Paul Ince's side down in 10th position, two points adrift of the playoff places.
Although there will be an acknowledgement that Reading have punched above their weight given their efforts to avoid relegation last season, Ince knows that it is imperative that they get another win on the board as soon as possible.
Despite losing to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Reading still possess the third-best home record in the division, collecting 16 points from their eight matches.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the Berkshire outfit will respond to blowing a two-goal lead at Swansea City earlier this week, the Welsh side completing an unforeseen turnaround in 33 minutes either side of half time.
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Ince may insist that his Reading squad take a look at Bristol City for an example of how to bounce back from losing their way, the Robins having now won two of their last three matches.
Before their trip to play West Brom in midweek, Bristol City's streak was viewed as five defeats in seven games, but Nigel Pearson's side have now generated some momentum.
While they may still only sit in 12th spot, they are now within three points of a Norwich City side who were in the automatic spots not so long ago, further highlighting the competitiveness of the Championship.
On a negative note, Bristol City have the worst defensive record on their travels in the division, even with a clean sheet coming at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night.
Nahki Wells scored his seventh goal of the campaign in that fixture, and the visitors have now only failed to score in two of their 16 Championship outings during 2022-23.
Team News
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Reading will be forced into at least one change in defence with Andy Yiadom collecting his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea.
Amadou Salif Mbengue will likely drop into the back three, with Junior Hoilett switching to right wing-back and Baba Rahman being deployed on the opposite flank.
Ince may be prepared to stick with the same front three, meaning that Lucas Joao and Andy Carroll would remain among the replacements.
Meanwhile, Bristol City boss Pearson may see no reason to make any alterations to the side which defeated West Brom.
However, Andreas Weimann is an obvious option if he wishes to introduce fresh legs, while Timm Klose may be assessed after featuring heavily since his return from injury earlier this month.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Mbengue, Holmes, McIntyre; Hoilett, Hendrick, Loum, Rahmanm; Ince, Fornah; Meite
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Klose, Atkinson; Sykes, Scott, James, Williams, Dasilva; Wells, Semenyo
We say: Reading 1-1 Bristol City
Now that Bristol City have ended their previous dismal streak, they have the potential to go on another run of wins. Nevertheless, Reading usually perform better at their home ground, leading us to predict a competitive share of the spoils.
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