On Saturday Reading host Neil Warnock’s play-off chasing Middlesbrough.

Below we look at everything you need to know about the Teesiders ahead of the match.

Form
Enjoying a mixed spell since the turn of the year, three wins in 2021 has seen the gap to the top six grow to six points as they sit eighth.

One win in the last five has not helped the side in their battle for the top six, but they won last time out against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Goals from Ashley Fletcher and Duncan Watmore overturned Isaac Mbenza’s opening, and they even played the last 10 minutes one man down when Paddy McNair received his marching orders.

Boro last met Reading back in October, a goalless draw at the Riverside.

Team News
For the Royals, midfielder Josh Laurent is expected to regain his place in the side after sitting out Tuesday’s win at Bristol City.

Long term absentees Liam Moore and George Puscas both returned to the squad at Ashton Gate, and should therefore be in contention as they look to rebuild match fitness.

For Warnock’s side, McNair’s red card in midweek has since been overturned, and therefore he is available for selection.

Defensive partner Dael Fry is also expected to return after injury.

Key Player
Former Sunderland winger Watmore has been on incredible form since joining the side in November after being released by North-East neighbours Sunderland in the summer.

Regularly injured in his five year spell with the Black Cats, he is certainly a talented player if he can stay on the pitch.

Six goals and an assist in 16 appearances puts him top of the clubs goal involvement statistics.

Odds
According to Sky Bet, Veljko Paunovic’s side are 29/20 at time of writing to beat Boro.

A draw is 21/10 and an away win is 2/1.