Reading head to Cambridge United on Saturday looking to continue their encouraging run of form after back-to-back victories in League One.
The Royals have responded strongly to a difficult start to the campaign, following up a 5-0 victory over Mansfield Town with a 3-1 win against Blackpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The latest success moved Leam Richardson’s side up to eighth in the League One table, with Reading having scored eight goals across their last two matches.
Cambridge will provide a tougher test away from home, with the U’s currently sitting sixth and having made a positive start to the campaign.
Richardson will also have to consider his options in defence after Jeriel Dorsett missed the Blackpool victory with a hamstring injury.
Dorsett had started Reading’s previous league matches but was left out of the squad entirely against Blackpool, with Haydon Roberts coming into the starting XI at left-back.
He is expected to be unavailable again this weekend will likely miss at least a few weeks of action.
The manager highlighted the importance of squad depth after the Blackpool victory, particularly with competition for places increasing in attack.
Jacob Brown came off the bench to score Reading’s third goal in stoppage time against Blackpool, adding to goals from George Earthy and Kyreece Lisbie.
Earthy has settled in impressively since joining from West Ham, while winger Lisbie has caught they eye with sensational performances in recent weeks.
Brown’s goal was his latest contribution in an increasingly competitive forward line which also includes Jack Marriott and Jamie Reid.
But Saturday’s trip to Cambridge represents a different challenge.
The U’s will hope home advantage can halt Reading’s momentum, while the Royals will be aiming to return from the Abbey Stadium with another three points and further evidence that their season is beginning to gather pace.
