Reading FC will play their first away League One game of the season on Saturday when they travel to AFC Wimbledon.
The Royals head to Plough Lane looking for their first league points of the campaign after a dramatic opening-day defeat against Luton Town.
Leam Richardson’s side led 3-1 at half-time after a Jack Marriott hat-trick but collapsed after the break to lose 4-3.
They have since had the chance to regroup with an EFL Trophy victory over Wycombe Wanderers on penalties on Tuesday, although Richardson made a number of changes for that fixture.
The trip to south-west London therefore represents a much better indication of how Reading’s new-look side will fare in League One.
The Royals have made a total of five new signings this summer, including George Earthy from West Ham who became the club’s most recent addition last week.
The club had a sizeable core of last season’s squad already under contract, but there was still plenty of change over the summer.
Udoka Godwin-Malife arrived, while Kyreece Lisbie joined from Colchester United after impressing in League Two.
Josh Stokes was brought in on loan from Bristol City and Jacob Brown added further experience to the attack on a free transfer.
Midfielder Andy Rinomhota was also signed up having rejoined the club on a short-term deal last season.
There is, however, a sense that Reading’s recruitment is not necessarily finished.
The opening-day performance against Luton demonstrated the potential within the squad, but conceding three second-half goals also highlighted some of the defensive vulnerabilities that remain.
AFC Wimbledon will also be hoping to put points on the board after a difficult start.
The Dons were among the sides tipped by some observers for a difficult campaign, with The Guardian including them among the teams who could struggle in League One this season.
Manager Johnnie Jackson has nevertheless overseen a busy summer of recruitment as Wimbledon look to build on their squad.
The Dons brought in Steven Sessegnon from Wigan Athletic, Zack Nelson from Luton Town, Dan Sweeney from Stevenage and James Tilley from Wycombe Wanderers.
They also added Chelsea youngster Ollie Harrison and experienced striker Jayden Stockley, while several players returned from loan spells.
Stockley could be particularly important after the departures of Omar Bugiel and Patrick Bauer, while Tilley already knows Jackson’s methods after spending the second half of last season at Plough Lane.
Wimbledon have also made a late move for a familiar face to Reading supporters, signing former Royals captain Andy Yiadom on a short-term contract until January.
That could add an intriguing subplot to Saturday’s match.
Reading will have to overcome a poor recent record at Plough Lane.
