Two teams sitting in the League One relegation zone will go head-to-head when Reading welcome Fleetwood Town to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday.

The Royals are winless in five games in the third tier, while the visitors travel to Berkshire off the back of consecutive league defeats.

Match preview

While Reading are currently looking for new owners, their off-field issues continue to have a negative impact on the pitch.

The Royals, who have been deducted four points this season, are currently languishing in 23rd place with five points separating them from safety.

Since beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on September 16, their only victories have taken place in the EFL Trophy, where they thrashed Exeter City 9-0, before they cruised to a 5-0 win over Swindon Town.

However, their woeful league form continued at the weekend when they were thumped 4-0 by Charlton Athletic, ensuring the Royals have now lost all of their seven away league games this season.

As a result, Ruben Selles's side will look forward to returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where they are unbeaten in four league matches.

Like their hosts, Fleetwood have also struggled to find their best form this season, having picked up eight points from their 12 games in League One.

Their poor start to the campaign resulted in Scott Brown's dismissal and the subsequent appointment of former Hibernian boss Lee Johnson.

The new manager experienced an encouraging start to his tenure after collecting seven points from his opening four league matches.

However, Fleetwood's momentum has been halted by a 4-1 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers and a narrow 1-0 loss against Lincoln City.

After losing back-to-back home games, Fleetwood will head on their travels, where they have the chance to clinch consecutive away league victories for the first time since September/October 2022.

Team News

Reading are still expected to be without the injured trio of Tom McIntyre, Coniah Boyce-Clarke and Amadou Mbengue.

Joel Pereira is closing in on a return to fitness, but Tuesday's contest may come too soon for the Portuguese goalkeeper.

After featuring as a late substitute at the weekend, Wales international Charlie Savage is in contention to start Tuesday's encounter.

As for the visitors, they will be unable to call upon Aristote Nsiala, who is set to start a three-match ban after receiving a straight red card at the weekend.

Ben Heneghan could replace Nsiala in the Fleetwood backline, with the defender available following a one-match suspension.

After being introduced as a half-time substitute at the weekend, Kabongo Tshimanga could be brought into the starting lineup for the midweek encounter.

Reading possible starting lineup:
Button; Bindon, Dean, Abbey, Guinness-Walker; Azeez, Wing, Savage, Knibbs; Ehibhatiomhan, Smith

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Lynch; Johnston, Heneghan, Lawal, Earl; Quitirna, Simons, Vela, Mayor; Tshimanga, Marriott

We say: Reading 2-1 Fleetwood Town

Although Reading continue to struggle on the road, they have won three of their last four home league matches, and we think they will make full use of home advantage to claim a much-needed victory against Fleetwood on Tuesday.


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