Reading face League One’s in-form side on Saturday when they host play-off pushing Lincoln City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
On the back of a heavy defeat at promotion pushers Bolton, the Royals go into the clash in need of points to try and secure their League One safety.
Despite their away defeat on Monday, all teams but one below Reading in the table also lost which means they remain six points above the drop zone with five games left to play.
The Imps have been in mesmerising form which has seen them push up the league table where they now sit in sixth place with their eyes on a play-off spot.
Lincoln have now won five games on the bounce following their 3-1 away win at Carlisle United.
Michael Skubala’s side have also scored an exceptional 20 goals in five matches which included a stunning 5-1 away win at Barnsley and a 6-0 triumph at home against Cambridge United.
Lincoln’s top scorer this season is Joseph Taylor who has nine goals and three assists from just 14 matches.
Lincoln also boast the best defensive record in the division having only conceded 34 goals in 41 matches.
The teams shared the points when they met at the LNER Stadium In December as Nelson Abbey’s early own goal was cancelled out by Harvey Knibbs’ second-half goal.
Reading are hoping to have defender Tom Holmes back for selection after he missed out on the trip to Bolton with illness.
There are no other new known injury concerns among the squad which means that Ruben Selles has almost a full selection at his disposal.
Predicted Reading line-up: Pereira, Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Mola, Savage, Wing, Knibbs, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith
