Reading will try to bounce back from a defeat to Portsmouth when they welcome Port Vale to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for Tuesday's League One contest.
The Valiants, meanwhile, will be looking to end their seven-game winless run by claiming their first victory of 2024.
Match preview
© Reuters
Reading saw their six-game unbeaten run come to an end with a heavy 4-1 defeat to leaders Portsmouth in Saturday's away meeting.
As a result of the loss, the Royals head into Tuesday's contest in 18th position in the League One table and three points above the drop zone.
The Royals will now return home to Berkshire, where they will be looking to continue their impressive run of form after avoiding defeat in each of their last six home league matches since losing to Barnsley at the start of December.
Impressively, Reading have won four of their last five home games, including a 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic in their most recent outing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Having kept clean sheets in three of their previous four home league matches, Reading will be keen to produce a strong defensive display after shipping four goals in Saturday's away fixture
© Reuters
Former Huddersfield Town manager Darren Moore began his Port Vale tenure with a narrow 3-2 away defeat against relegation rivals Cheltenham Town.
The Valiants took the lead on two occasions thanks to a Nathan Smith header and a Curtis Davies own goal, but the Robins scored two goals in four minutes to condemn Port Vale to a fourth defeat in five league games.
As a result of the loss, Port Vale dropped below Cheltenham and into 22nd place, leaving them two points adrift from safety ahead of Tuesday's away trip.
Having picked up just two points from their last seven league matches, the Valiants will be desperate to claim their first victory since beating Blackpool 3-0 at the end of December.
The visitors may be able to draw inspiration from the fact that they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Reading in the reverse fixture in August.
Team News
© Reuters
Reading boss Ruben Selles is expected to be without the defensive duo of Tom Holmes and Jeriel Dorsett due to injury issues.
Charlie Savage dropped to the bench for the defeat to Portsmouth, but he is set to return to the side after marking Saturday's substitute appearance with a goal.
Sam Smith was able to play over 35 minutes against the league leaders after missing the draw against Fleetwood due to fatigue, and the forward could now be presented with the chance to lead the line in Tuesday's home clash.
As for the Valiants, they are unable to call upon midfielder Ben Garrity and forward Uche Ikpeazu, who are both long-term absentees.
Dan Gore, James Plant and Mitch Clark are closing in on a return to action, but the midweek fixture may come too soon for the trio.
Defender Dan Jones is expected to make a second consecutive start in the Port Vale backline, where he is set to be joined by Kacper Lopata and Smith.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Button; Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Mola; Craig, Wing; Azeez, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan; Smith
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Jones, Lopata, Smith; Massey, Lowe, Ojo, Grant; Chislett; Wilson, Loft
We say: Reading 3-1 Port Vale
Reading may have lost to Portsmouth in Saturday's away fixture, but after winning four of their last five home league games, we think that the Royals will do enough to dispatch Port Vale and continue their impressive home form.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
