Preview: Reading vs Leicester

Leicester will look to maintain their promising early season opening in front of the Sky television cameras, as they travel to struggling Reading in Monday night's Championship encounter.

The Foxes could reach the play-off positions with a win at the Madejski Stadium, following Tuesday night's battling victory over Crystal Palace.

It is a different story for Reading, who currently occupy a place in the relegation zone after just two wins all season. Tuesday's night's 4-1 defeat to QPR was just another to add to the increasingly worryingly list that the Royals possess this season.

With Reading full back Ryan Bertrand's words ringing in their ears, Nigel Pearson's side will no doubt be looking to impress live on television, hoping to build on the form that has brought them within touching distance of the division's best.

Reading's last meeting with the Foxes ended in delight in 2006 as the Royals were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history, Kevin Doyle's 85th minute goal providing the visitors with a draw on the day.

However, the Royals have not won at home in the league for nine months, a stat under-fire manager Brendan Rogers must alter quickly.

Marek Matejovsky is back in contention after missing a handful of recent matches through injury.

On-loan Chelsea left back Ryan Bertrand should return for Reading, after sitting out the QPR match with a head injury.

Noel Hunt, Julian Kelly and Chris Armstrong all remain sidelined.

The only Reading player to reach Brendan Rogers' team-sheet for every league match this season, Federici has been an ever-present this season.

The young goalkeeper has firmly established himself as the Royals number one since the departure of Marcus Hahnemann from the numer one spot thanks to his reliable displays between the sticks.

Paul Gallagher is pushing hard for a start up front after two goals against Crystal Palace midweek. Steve Howard is the likely man to make way after a blank slate for this season's goal tally.

Full backs Bruno Berner and Michael Morrison are both in contention for recalls to the side after Tuesday's omissions, but manager Nigel Pearson is unlikely to make heavy changes.

Gallagher's second goal midweek, an audacious lob from distance over Julian Speroni, demonstrated the abiltities that the former-Blackburn man possesses.

Since joining the club the player has found himself employed mainly employed on the wing by Nigel Pearson, but may now get his chance to demonstrate his talents up front. A point to prove.

- Reading are still without a home win in the Championship this season, one of only two clubs.

- The Royals are the division's second lowest goalscorers, with just 11 to their name so far.

- Neither side has registered a red card so far this season.

- Leicester, on average, take an agonising 56 minutes to score their first goal away from home.

It appears a good time to play Reading, but can we put them to the sword whilst they are vulnerable? Reading 0-1 Leicester.

Friday 30th October
Leicester: QPR (A)

Saturday 31st October
Reading: Coventry (A)

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