READING FC have a break from League One action this weekend when they host MK Dons in the FA Cup first-round.
The Royals have been in dreadful form in the league and currently sit bottom of the table and eight points adrift of safety.
There is much instability at the club with Ruben Selles’ position under pressure, while the ownership saga rumbles on with Dai Yongge still looking to sell the club.
MK Dons recently opted for a change in management which saw Graham Alexander sacked from his position after going eight games without a win.
He was replaced by former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson. His appointment has seen an upturn in form and despite losing his first match in charge, MK have followed that up with home wins against Bradford City and Swindon Town.
MK Dons currently sit in 12th position on 22 points with six wins, four draws and six defeats.
The Royals crashed out of the FA Cup last season against Manchester United as Paul Ince took his team to face his former club.
After putting up a valiant fight, Reading lost 3-1 at Old Trafford in a game that saw Andy Carroll sent off, while Amadou Mbengue was on the scoresheet for the Royals.
Reading and MK Dons have only met three teams previously and it will be the first time the club’s will meet in the FA Cup,
The three previous games have ended in one Reading win, one MK Dons win and one draw.
The last meeting occurred in the League Cup in August 2016 where Reading were victorious in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw after extra-time.
Reading’s current injury list has Tom McIntyre still recovering from a muscle injury, Ovie Ejaria still out with a long term issue, while Mbengue is suspended for three matches after he received a red card in the aftermath of the Portsmouth defeat.
Predicted Reading line-up: Pereira, Carson, Abbey, Holmes, Bindon, Craig, Rushesha, Mola, Mukairu, Azeez, Vickers, Ehibhatiomhan
