Reading are heading to the Midlands for the final match before Christmas, looking to move into the top six with a win.

Here is everything you need to know.

Reading Chronicle:

Form

After enduring a run of two wins in 10 matches, Reading have won the last two matches on the bounce either side of the World Cup break.

Sitting in eighth, two points outside the play-offs, they are eight clear of the relegation zone.

Despite conceding 30 goals, more than any team in the top 15, Reading picked up their seventh clean sheet of the season in Saturday's win over Coventry. They only managed five in the whole of last season.

Only scoring 24 goals, Preston with 22 are the only team to have scored less in the top half.

Last time out, Amadou Mbengue's header was enough to snatch all three points at home to the Sky Blues- who had previously won their last four on the bounce.

The Royals won their last game on the road too, a last-minute winner over Hull City before the World Cup.

Birmingham, just three points further back in 14th, can overtake Reading with a win due to their superior goal difference.

They drew 0-0 with Blackpool on Saturday.

Reading Chronicle:

Team News

In positive news, there is only one fresh update, with Tom Holmes due to miss out due to concussion procedures after being substituted against Mark Robins' Coventry.

However, centre-backs are returning at a rate of knots, with Tom McIntyre, Naby Sarr and Scott Dann set to be involved. 

Ovie Ejaria and Sam Hutchinson remain out, with the midfielder looking likely to return after Christmas.

Last Time Out: Reading 2-1 Birmingham City; Tuesday, February 22 2022

Paul Ince marked his first match in temporary charge with a win over the Blues.

An action-packed second half, Lucas Joao opened the scoring and John Swift doubled it, before a Tom McIntyre goal kept things tight in the final 10 minutes.

The win moved the Royals eight points clear of relegation with 13 matches remaining.