Shane Long and Lucas Joao start up front together for the first time against Stoke City.

Usually one for a lone striker, Royals boss Paul Ince has rolled the dice and added extra firepower at the top end of the pitch.

In midfield, fan favourite Mamadou Loum drops out, with Jeff Hendrick and Tyrese Fornah holding the fort.

New signing Baba Rahman makes his first appearance in the squad, starting on the bench with Junior Hoilett and Andy Yiadom at wing-back against the Potters.

The full team is: Lumley; Yiadom; Holmes; McIntyre; Hutchinson; Hendrick; Fornah; Ince; Long; Joao

For the visitors, former Royals Lewis Baker and Tariqe Fosu start in Alex Neil's first away match as manager.

Experienced Championship stars Aden Flint and Morgan Fox start, with veteran Phil Jagielka on the bench.

Full team: Bonham; Fox; Flint; Clucas; Baker; Brown; Campbell; Wilmot; Delap; Smallbone; Fosu