Reading and Wigan Athletic will both be eyeing their first three-point haul of the season when they go head-to-head in Saturday's clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals began their League One campaign with a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, while the Latics fell to a narrow defeat in their home meeting with Charlton Athletic.
Match preview
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After dropping down from the Championship in 2022-23, Reading managed to avoid back-to-back relegations despite having to contend with a six-point deduction.
Amid all the off-field drama, Ruben Selles guided the Royals to the safety of a 17th-placed finish, ensuring that his side would compete in League One for at least one more season.
There is now hope that Reading's ownership struggles are drawing to a close, with Rob Couhig's consortium believed to be on the verge of buying the club from Dai Yongge.
In regards to the on-the-field matters, the Royals kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against recently-relegated Birmingham City before they suffered a penalty-shootout defeat in Tuesday's League Cup clash with fourth-tier Colchester United.
Reading will look to bounce back from their cup exit in Saturday's home clash as they look to claim a second straight home win over Wigan after claiming a 2-0 victory in December's meeting at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Meanwhile, Wigan would have been pleased with their efforts last season, securing a mid-table finish despite having to contend with an eight-point deduction.
The Latics finished the 2023-24 campaign with three consecutive victories, but they were unable to carry that form into their league opener against Charlton Athletic.
They appeared to be on course to play out a goalless draw until Charlton's Lloyd Jones netted an 81st-minute winner to condemn the Latics to their first competitive home defeat since February.
More disappointment followed in midweek as Wigan experienced penalty-shootout disappointment in their EFL Cup clash with Barnsley, resulting in their third consecutive first-round exit.
They will now turn their focus to Saturday's trip to Berkshire as they look to clinch their first away win over Reading since recording a 3-0 win in February.
Team News
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Reading remain without the services of their club captain Andy Yiadom, who is expected to be out until September with a knee injury.
Femi Azeez may also be unavailable after missing the first two matches with a back problem, but there is also uncertainty surrounding his Reading future amid speculation linking him with a move to the Championship.
After making several changes in midweek, Selles could decide to revert to the side that started the league draw with Birmingham.
As for the Latics, Maloney has confirmed that Tyrese Francois, Michael Olakigbe and Jonny Smith are four to six weeks away from returning to action.
Winger Callum McManaman has returned to training and is in contention to feature in Saturday's matchday squad.
Having started the last two games, Joe Hugill is expected to retain his place up front, with the Man United loanee hoping to score his first goal in a Wigan shirt.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Elliott, Wing, Knibbs, Smith; Camara, Ehibhatiomhan
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Ramsay, Kerr, Aimson, Chambers; Adeeko, Smith; Rankine, Aasgaard, Jones; Hugill
We say: Reading 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Last season, Reading recorded 12 of their 16 league wins at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and we think that they will carry that impressive home form into the new season, which is why we believe that they will do enough to claim a narrow victory on Saturday.
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