Heading into this encounter on Saturday, Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has conceded that it is match that his side cannot afford to lose.
Both teams occupy a place in the relegation zone, but a defeat for visiting Wigan would see them slip five points behind their hosts and at least three from the safety line.
For a club in their position, Wigan have a respectable record on the road so far this season. They've managed to pick up 11 points away from the DW Stadium, scoring 13 goals in the process.
On the injury front, Martinez may be able to call upon the services of defenders Emmerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz, who have both returned to full training this week.
Meanwhile, Reading have been in positive form at the Madejski Stadium of late. They've been unbeaten in their last five outings in Berkshire - a run that dates back to the middle of December.
The Royals have a handful of injury problems for the match, with midfielders Jimmy Kebe and Mikele Leigertwood rated as doubtful. Experienced striker Jason Roberts and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy have already been ruled out.
Recent form
Reading: LWWDWL
Wigan: LDLDDL
Possible starting lineups
Reading: Federici; Harte, Mariappa, Pearce, Kelly; McAnuff, Leigertwood, Kebe, Akpan; Pogrebnyak, Hunt
Wigan: Al-Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Stam; Beausejour, Scharner, McCarthy, McArthur, Maloney; Gomez, Di Santo
Sports Mole says: 2-1
