Reading host Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium on Friday in a game which could all but end the Royals’ realistic play-off hopes.

Below we look at everything you need to know about the Bluebirds in the lead up to the game.

Recent Form

Mick McCarthy’s side are winless in three as their attempt to chase down the top six took a sizeable hit over the Easter period with two defeats, including a 5-0 hammering away at bottom side Sheffield Wednesday.

A streaky side this season, the club went on an 11 game unbeaten run over January and February, including six straight wins, following an eight match winless run over December, leaving the side in a solid top half position.

Last season’s losing play-off semi-finalists currently sit eighth, seven points behind Veljko Paunovic’s side.

Earlier in the campaign Reading won 2-1 in the Welsh capital courtesy of Lucas Joao and Michael Morrison goals, however that was under the previous regime of Neil Harris.

Since first meeting at the FA Cup semi-finals in 1927, the two sides have met 73 times. Reading shade the head-to-head with 27 wins to Cardiff’s 23.

Team News

Talismanic midfielder John Swift is likely to play some part as he returns from a long spell injured, however defenders Morrison and Tom McIntyre are both out for the season.

Former Royal Sean Morrison is injured for the visitors and will not play against his old side.

After appearing in the last two matches off of the bench, Lucas Joao could be recalled from the start as the hosts are in desperate need of a win.

Key Player

Former Wigan Athletic striker Kieffer Moore has notched 16 goals for the Bluebirds this season, more than 10 clear of anyone else in the side.

A target man who is also good with his feet, he was signed in the summer and is having a stellar debut season in Wales.

He also scored an unbelievable goal at the Madejski last season as his Wigan side romped to a 3-0 win over the floundering Royals.

Another player to keep an eye on will be Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson who has gained 11 assists.

The Wales international got two assists last time out in a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

How to Watch

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Football from 17.30 and so will not be available on iFollow.

Odds

According to SkyBet at time of writing Reading are 6/5 to get a vital three points while the visitors are 12/5 to close the gap between the two sides. A draw is 9/4.