Peterboroughvs.Reading

The hosts are currently sitting in 12th place in League One, while the Royals are two points better off in 10th position.

Match preview

The Posh have embarked on an impressive run of form since they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the end of October.

Darren Ferguson's side recorded a 4-2 victory in their FA Cup first-round clash with Newport County, before they scored four more goals in a home victory over Crystal Palace Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

Peterborough produced another free-scoring display in their derby clash against Cambridge United earlier this month, with Kwame Poku netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.

As a result of that win, Peterborough have now gone eight competitive home games without defeat since they lost 2-0 to Wrexham on August 31.

With 31 goals to their name this season, the Posh are currently the league's second-highest scorers behind Wycombe Wanderers, and they will look to showcase that firepower on Saturday as they go in search of a victory that would move them above Reading in the table.

Reading have struggled for consistency in recent times, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their previous five matches in all competitions.

The Royals began that run of results with a heavy 4-1 defeat against Stockport County, before they returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup.

Reading have competed in the EFL Trophy in two of their last three matches, losing to Cheltenham Town and beating Newport County either side of a 1-1 league draw against Stevenage.

They will be fully focused on league action this weekend as they look to improve on their travels after seeing their opening seven away league games produce one win, two draws and four defeats.

However, their hopes of claiming all three points on Saturday may be tempered by the fact they have failed to win any of their last five away games against Peterborough (D2, L3).

Peterborough United League One form:

W

D

L

W

L

W

Peterborough United form (all competitions):

L

W

L

W

W

W

Reading League One form:

L

W

W

W

L

D

Reading form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

D

W

Team News

Peterborough are unable to call upon the services of goalkeeper Jed Steer, who underwent knee surgery earlier this month.

Mahamadou Susoho and Bradley Ihionvien remain unavailable for selection, while Hector Kyprianou and Rio Adebisi are not expected to return in time for Saturday's fixture.

Defender Jadel Katongo is closing in on a return to action, but is unlikely to be risked for the home clash with Reading.

As for the Royals, Ruben Selles remains without the injured trio of Kelvin Abrefa, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Andy Yiadom.

In positive news, Harlee Dean and Sam Smith are both available for selection, with the latter set to lead the line at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Jeriel Dorsett returned from injury to feature as a substitute, before he started the EFL Trophy win over Newport County, and the defender is now in contention to make his first league start since September.

Peterborough United possible starting lineup:

Bilokapic; Dornelly, Wallin, Fernandez, Sparkes; Collins, De Havilland; Poku, Randall, Mothersille; Jones

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Elliott, Wing, Savage; Knibbs, Camara, Smith

We say: Peterborough United 3-1 Reading

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