Preview: Reading vs. Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

An eight-match winless streak and six-point deduction have left the home side sitting in the relegation zone, one point adrift of safety.

Match preview

While Burnley have already been confirmed as a Premier League club for next season, Vincent Kompany and his squad are motivated to secure the title and records alike.

The former could occur this weekend, with a Burnley victory and Sheffield United failing to beat Cardiff City putting the North-West outfit into an unassailable lead.

Burnley returned from the March international break by registering a goalless draw with Sunderland, but their performance levels were raised over the Easter period.

After beating Middlesbrough on away territory to secure promotion, Burnley subsequently recorded a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United to all but secure the second-tier crown.

Burnley are also on a 20-match undefeated streak in the Championship, making them the worst-possible opponents for a side who are in the relegation zone and have just sacked their manager.

Although Ince cannot be blamed for the six-point deduction that has dramatically changed Reading's outlook on the season, the Royals are without a win since the end of February.

In Ince's defence, his side had posted three draws in a row before the Easter Monday trip to Preston North End, and Reading only lost 2-1 to one of the form teams in the division.

Nevertheless, things had gone stale under the former Manchester United midfielder, resulting in the reins being handed to Noel Hunt until the end of the season.

Fixtures with Burnley and third-placed Luton Town are far from ideal, yet Reading will feel that they can at least place with a sense of freedom in matches that they are not expected to win.

Reading Championship form:

L

L

D

D

D

L

Burnley Championship form:

D

W

W

D

W

W

Burnley form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

W

W

Team News

With Reading only losing their three-match unbeaten streak through a last-gasp goal, Hunt may be prepared to stick with Ince's 3-5-2 formation.

Although Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan came off the substitutes' bench to score at Deepdale, the youngster is unlikely to be drafted into the starting lineup.

Tyrese Fornah is an option in central midfield, but Tom McIntyre and Junior Hoilett are the only players of the injured list who may return to the squad.

Kompany may decide to tinker with his midfield and attack, restoring the likes of Benson Manuel and Johann Berg Gudmundsson to the Burnley XI.

Charlie Taylor is also on standby if Kompany opts against taking any risks on Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has only played twice since the first week of the year.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Holmes, Dann, Sarr; Yiadom, Hendrick, Loum, Casadei, Guinness-Walker; Carroll, Joao

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Muric; Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen; Cullen, Brownhill; Manuel, Gudmundsson, Tella; Barnes

We say: Reading 0-3 Burnley

Reading are hoping that a change in manager can lead to an upturn in fortunes, starting with the toughest fixture on their calendar. However, we are backing Burnley to canter to the three points in ruthless fashion.

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