Reading boss Noel Hunt is wary of the threat posed by Lincoln City, even if the Imps have little left to play for.
The Royals sit sixth in League One and have four matches remaining to confirm a play-off position, including a second match in quick succession at Mansfield Town on Easter Monday.
Bristol Rovers are battling relegation, as were Northampton Town last week, while Barnsley battle Blackpool for a top 10 finish.
Lincoln drew with soon-to-be-relegated Shrewsbury Town on Saturday and are 12th in the third tier, with little but pride and contracts to play for.
For some, these fixtures are what you want when chasing down an aim, matches against sides with little to play for on paper.
However, Hunt is not being sucked in and calls for his side to remain alert against a physical and hard-working side.
"In today’s game nobody ever downs tools, there is too much pride and too much to play for. Every position count and every point matters. He said he wants to look at the squad, so everyone is playing for their careers, so it’ll be a tough game.
"They’re organised, strong and I don’t think there are many under six foot. It will be a physical challenge, but the boys will take it on the chin, ride the waves and go with it. We have taken the upmost time to get the detail right with and without the ball.
"It’s understanding what they are trying to do, counteract that and impose ourselves on the game."
Lincoln won the reverse fixture at Sincil Bank in December and are yet to beat the Imps since returning to the third tier in 2023.
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