Basement side Reading will attempt to end a nine-game winless league run when they make the short trip to Adams Park for Saturday's clash with Wycombe Wanderers.
The hosts will also be looking to end a poor run of form after failing to win any of their last five matches in League One.
Match preview
© Reuters
While Wycombe may have won two of their last three matches, both of those victories took place in cup competitions.
After squeezing past Bradford City in the FA Cup, the Chairboys returned to league action with a narrow 1-0 defeat in their home meeting with Stevenage.
Despite seeing their winless league run stretch to five matches, Wycombe experienced more cup success last weekend, with Kieran Sadlier scoring the decisive goal to guide his side to a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy, ensuring they advanced to the next round as group winners.
Matt Bloomfield will now be challenging his players to carry their cup form into the league, as the 12th-placed side look to close the five-point gap to the playoffs.
With the hosts searching for their first league win since October 7, they may be able to draw inspiration from their most recent meeting with Reading in February 2021 when they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in a Championship fixture at Adams Park.
Reading, who have been deducted four points this term, are currently 10 points adrift from safety, as their off-field troubles continued to have a major impact on the team's performance.
Owner Dai Yongge is believed to be in discussions with a number of parties over the sale of the Berkshire club, but with talks ongoing over a takeover, it is up to Reading boss Ruben Selles to spark an upturn in fortunes on the pitch.
Although Reading have won two of their last four games, both of those victories took place in cup competitions, with the Royals claiming a 3-2 win over MK Dons in the FA Cup and a 5-2 victory against Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
However, they have been unable to replicate that success in the third tier, having lost seven and drawn two of their last nine league matches since beating Bolton Wanderers on September 16.
Having conceded 28 league goals this season, the Royals currently have the worst defensive record in the division, highlighting a key area for improvement if they are to start closing the gap to safety.
Team News
The hosts are unable to call upon Jack Grimmer, Jason McCarthy, Christie Ward, Declan Skura and Kane Vincent-Young.
Luke Leahy and Brandon Hanlan were both stretchered off in the recent league clash with Stevenage due to head and knee injuries respectively.
With Hanlan set to miss the remainder of the season, Lyle Taylor has been brought in on a short-term deal, and after making his debut last weekend, the forward is likely to feature among the substitutes on Saturday.
As for the visitors, they will have to cope without the services of Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Tom McIntyre, and Ovie Ejaria.
Midfielder Sam Hutchinson is set to serve a one-match ban after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in Reading's most recent league game.
After missing the last three league games through suspension, Amadou Mbengue will be available for the weekend, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Forino-Joseph, Keogh, Tafazolli; Wheeler, Scowen, Phillips, Boyes; McCleary, Sadlier, D. Taylor
Reading possible starting lineup:
Button; Yiadom, Bindon, Abbey, Dorsett; Azeez, Savage, Wing, Knibbs; Ballard, Smith
We say: Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Reading
Having lost six of their last seven league games, Reading will have their work cut out to claim a positive result at the weekend, but we think they may do enough to take a point off a Wycombe side that has failed to win any of their previous three home league matches.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
