There could potentially be two debutants in Ayub Masika and Felipe Araruna after their arrivals; either way, squad selection will be key in this unrelenting schedule.

“We’ll hopefully have a few bodies fresh,” said Reading boss Mark Bowen, ahead of the game.

“And for those who were involved in Cardiff, it is about recovery and getting focused for Saturday. We can’t take our eye off the ball.

“We have been going game to game – not until we were done against Cardiff could I think about Hull City. Then I sit down with the staff and give it great thought and pick a team for Saturday.

“And whoever is picked, all I’m doing is being honest and picking a side that can go and win a game for Reading Football Club.

“Until it’s mathematically impossible, we’ll keep striving to get to those play-off places. We have drawn a game or two too many lately but I am a glass-half-full man.

“So we’ll keep trying to win games and that’s what we want to do on Saturday. It’s a home game, and I’m hoping our fans will be buoyant after Tuesday’s win. We want to start fast, start well, take the game to them and come away with three points.”

🗣️ Bowen | “We want to take the game to them – and get the points!”