Preview: Reading vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Blades sit four points clear of the chasing pack, Reading are down in 15th position after an inconsistent run of form.

Match preview

Having posted successive 1-0 victories over Watford and Tottenham Hotspur in the space of a few days, everything felt set up for Sheffield United to record another notable win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

However, conceding an early goal at the home of one of their direct rivals proved decisive, the Blades ultimately going down to that solitary strike to be pulled back into the pack.

Possessing the chance to re-establish a seven-point gap, that perception could change with victory on Tuesday, but Paul Heckingbottom's team are without an away league victory in four attempts.

With fifth-placed Luton Town to follow the trip to Berkshire, this feels like Sheffield United's biggest match of the season to date as they bid to give themselves some breathing space in the promotion race.

In the short term, Sheffield United have lost three of their most recent five outings, and it remains to be seen whether they are capable of matching opponents who possess a strong home record.

Despite sitting in the bottom half of the standings, Reading have prevailed in 10 of their 16 fixtures at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Each of their three defeats came before the World Cup break, with Paul Ince's side now six matches unbeaten on familiar territory, seven in all competitions if you include the FA Cup win over a weakened Watford side.

However, the Royals have won just two of their last 10 matches, the fifth defeat during that time coming at Middlesbrough by a 5-0 scoreline at the weekend.

Although Reading have lost five away fixtures in succession, they have consistently responded in a positive manner at their home ground, and they will back themselves to take advantage of the growing pressure on their next opponents.

Reading Championship form:

D

L

W

L

W

L

Sheffield United Championship form:

D

W

L

L

W

L

Sheffield United form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

W

L

Team News

Goalkeeper Joe Lumley will return to the Reading XI after being unable to face his parent club Middlesbrough last time out.

Ince may look to freshen up his side further forward with Tyrese Fornah and Lucas Joao both options in midfield and attack, the latter recently returning from injury.

Mamadou Loum was absent from the squad at the weekend, but the Senegalese could come back into contention if he is deemed to be available.

Sheffield United remain without Anel Ahmedhodzic who serves the second of a two-match ban for 10 yellow cards.

However, several changes are expected with George Baldock, Tommy Doyle and James McAtee are in contention for recalls.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Yiadom, Mbengue, Sarr, McIntyre; Hendrick, Fornah; Meite, Ince, Long; Joao

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, McAtee, Lowe; Ndiaye, McBurnie

We say: Reading 1-2 Sheffield United

Possessing one of the best home records in the division, there is every chance that Reading bounce back from their humiliation at the weekend. Nevertheless, more is at stake for the visitors, and we feel that the Yorkshire giants will battle their way to victory by the odd goal in three.

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