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

Meanwhile, the Royals will try to extend their unbeaten run to four league matches after taking five points from their previous three games.

Match preview

Stevenage will head into Tuesday's contest in a confident mood after recording a third consecutive victory in Saturday's home meeting with Blackpool.

The contest appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw until substitute Jake Forster-Caskey netted an 85th-minute winner to extend Stevenage's unbeaten home run to eight matches.

Having taken 52 points from their 28 matches, Steve Evans's side are currently sitting in sixth position with a one-point advantage over seventh-placed Oxford United, who have played two games more.

They also share the best defensive record with Bolton Wanderers, having conceded just 27 goals in League One this season.

The hosts will certainly fancy their chances of taking something from Tuesday's contest after losing just one of their 13 home league matches this term (W6, D6).

Reading's off-field issues had a significant impact on the recent transfer window as the Royals offloaded the likes of Tom McIntyre, Nelson Abbey, and Caylan Vickers.

Despite seeing a number of players head out the exit door, Reading produced a battling display to take a point from Saturday's Thames Valley derby against Oxford United.

Mark Harris scored a 32nd-minute opener to leave Reading trailing at the break, but a Ciaron Brown own goal ensured Ruben Selles'ls returned to Berkshire with a point to show for their efforts.

Although they remained in 21st place, Saturday's 1-1 draw moved the Royals to within two points of safety with 17 matches left to play.

Reading will need to improve on their travels if they are to stay up this season, with their 14 away league games producing one win, four draws and nine defeats.

Stevenage League One form:

L

W

L

W

W

W

Stevenage form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

W

W

Reading League One form:

W

D

L

W

D

D

Reading form (all competitions):

L

D

L

W

D

D

Team News

Forster-Caskey could be rewarded with a place in the Stevenage lineup after coming off the bench to score the winner against Blackpool.

Nathan Thompson is available following a four-match suspension, but the defender may have to settle for a place on the bench for Tuesday's encounter.

Jamie Reid will offer one of Stevenage's main goal threats, having scored 16 times in 27 league appearances this season.

As for the visitors, defender Tom Holmes is a doubt after he was forced to miss the draw with Oxford due to an injury issue.

If Holmes is unable to feature, Amadou Mbengue will retain his place in the centre of defence alongside New Zealand international Tyler Bindon.

Zane Monlouis could provide Selles with an option off the bench after joining on loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

MacGillivray; James-Wildin, Sweeney, Piergianni, Butler; Freeman, Burns, Forster-Caskey; Roberts; Oliver, Reid

Reading possible starting lineup:

Button; Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Azeez, Wing, Craig, Knibbs, Mukairu; Smith

We say: Stevenage 1-1 Reading

Previews by email