Burton Albionvs.Reading

The hosts are just two points above 21st-placed Cheltenham Town, who hold a game in hand over those around them, leaving the final two games of the season crucial to their survival hopes.

Match preview

Aside from a brief stay in the middle of the table, Burton Albion have largely found themselves in and around the relegation zone throughout this season.

They currently sit just two points above the relegation zone, with Cheltenham boasting a game in hand that could result in Burton's relegation depending on the results, although Cheltenham's matches are tough ones as they face three teams within the top nine.

With that, Burton are in a strong position to secure their safety in the division for a seventh consecutive season as they have two more favourable fixtures against 17th-placed Reading and 23rd-placed Fleetwood Town, in what could become a relegation-deciding game between the two.

A win over Stevenage last Saturday, their first in nearly two months, was vital for Martin Paterson's side as it pulled them out of the drop zone.

They will now be hoping they can move one step closer to safety with a win in this game against a Reading side who have nothing to play for after already securing their place in League One for next season.

As for the visitors, having been relegated from the Championship last year it looked as though they were on course for back-to-back demotions after a poor start that saw them sit on seven points from their opening 16 fixtures.

However, an upturn in form through December and onwards saw Reading climb out of the drop zone before securing their safety with a 2-2 draw against Barnsley last weekend.

That achievement is not one to turn a nose up at, with Reading being handed a deduction of six points in total throughout the season and having to deal with the constant ongoing crisis at the club.

While safety leaves Ruben Selles's men with nothing to compete for in the remaining two games of this season, he will still want to come out with victory in their final two outings to continue the recent improved form ahead of a fresh start next campaign.

Burton Albion League One form:

L

D

L

L

W

L

Reading League One form:

W

W

L

D

W

D

Team News

The hosts come into this game with up to three players unavailable due to injury.

Mason Bennett and John Brayford were both forced off in Burton's 2-1 victory over Stevenage last Saturday and were absent from their midweek encounter with Cheltenham, leaving them unlikely to return for this one.

Defender Thomas Hamer was also taken off with an injury during the midweek fixture, leaving him as a doubt for this match.

As for Reading, they come into the game with just a single player set to be unavailable for selection.

Goalkeeper Joel Pereira, who had started the previous seven matches for his side, was replaced by David Button at half-time against Barnsley due to injury, leaving Button likely to remain in goal for this one.

Burton Albion possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Moon, Nsiala, Hughes, Sweeney, Seddon; Oshilaja, Harper, Powell; Hugill, Helm

Reading possible starting lineup:

Button; Abrefa, Mbengue, Bindon, Mola; Wing; Azeez, Elliott, Knibbs, Mukairu; Smith

We say: Burton Albion 1-1 Reading

Previews by email