Reading boss Paul Ince has recalled Lucas Joao from the start for the visit of Bristol City.
After three successive defeats, pressure is mounting on the team to stop the rot ahead of a tough run of games before World Cup action.
Captain Andy Yiadom drops out after picking up too many yellow cards, leaving Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes as the only fit first team defenders.
Partnering Joao is fan favourite Yakou Meite, fresh off a goal and assist against Swansea City on Tuesday.
Lumley; McIntyre; Holmes; Mbengue; Hoilett; Rahman; Loum; Hendrick; Ince; Joao; Meite
Nigel Pearson names an unchanged team from the side which beat West Brom 2-0 in midweek.
The West Country outfit won the equivalent fixture 3-2 in September 2021, doing the double of the Royals last season.
In mixed form, the Robins have picked up two wins in the last five matches.
O'Leary; Vyner; Klose; Atkinson; Sykes; James; Williams; Dasilva; Scott; Wells; Semenyo
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