Reading take a break from league action and open their FA Cup account with a home tie against Championship rivals Watford.

Here is everything you need to know.

Reading Chronicle:

Form

The Hornets have won two of their last five league fixtures, sitting nine places and just four points above the Royals.

Reading's record matches that of Watford over the last five fixtures, sat 13th in the division after 26 matches.

Meeting in October, Slaven Bilic's side won 2-0 at Vicarage Road- a match originally due to take place the same weekend that Queen Elizabeth II passed away.

There are just three Championship meetings before the two sides clash again in Berkshire, the return fixture on February 4.

Reading Chronicle:

Team News

For the hosts, Paul Ince has confirmed that changes will be made in order to rest key stars.

Former captain Liam Moore is set for his first appearance in more than eight months, while the likes of Ovie Ejaria and Tom Holmes remain out.

Watford have announced a whopping 16 players will miss the match through injury and suspension, including the likes of Joao Pedro, Keinan Davis and former Royal Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Last Time Out: Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 Reading; Saturday, January 8 2022

Reading's last FA Cup tie was an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to sixth tier Kidderminster.

Record-signing George Puscas put the visistors in front at the break, but the hosts netted twice in the final 20 minutes to tip the tie and create an upset.

Veljko Paunovic's side would lose their next eight on the bounce, including their very next fixture 7-0 to Fulham.