Reading FC are back in action following the international break when they host Northampton Town on Friday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
There is new reason for Royals fans to be optimistic after the club confirmed that they have signed exclusivity with an unnamed party regarding a sale which means they are one step closer to seeing the end of Dai Yongge’s reign.
The Royals go into the contest with seven League One games left to try and secure their status in the division.
Ruben Selles’ side sit six points above the relegation zone, while Northampton are comfortably in midtable in 11th.
The Cobblers have won just one of their last five matches, but did manage to take three points against promotion chasing Derby County last weekend.
Northampton took the points when the teams met at Sixfields Stadium in October.
Dom Ballard was on the scoresheet for Reading, but goals from Sam Hoskins, Louis George Appere and Mitch Pinnock gave Northampton the victory.
Reading will be welcoming back former captain Liam Moore who joined Northampton on a short-term deal in February.
The 31-year spent seven seasons with the Royals, became club captain and made a total of 233 first-team appearances before he left last summer at the expiration of his contract.
Reading are still likely to be without defender Tom Holmes who is still receiving treatment on a back injury, while there are no known fresh injury concerns heading into Friday’s match.
Captain Andy Yiadom will also be out as he serves the final game of his two match suspension after being controversially sent off at Derby County.
Predicted Reading line-up: Pereira, Mola, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett, Savage, Wing, Knibbs, Azeez, Elliott, Smith
