The Royals travel to Deepdale to face Preston in the Championship this afternoon.

Here is everything you need to know.

Form

A 1-1 draw for Paul Ince’s side against Birmingham City last time out was not enough to avoid dropping into the relegation zone in the Championship.

Andy Carroll gave the Royals the lead inside the first ten minutes of the game, before Lukas Jutkiewicz ensured Birmingham took a point back home.

Having gone into the game on the back of a six-point deduction during the week, they dropped into the relegation zone after Huddersfield beat Watford to go above both the Royals and Queens Park Rangers.

As a result, Reading are one point away from safety with six games to play in the Championship.

The result against Birmingham means that Ince’s side are still without a win since February, something which they will have to change if they are to stay in the second tier of English football.

Their opponents have been in brilliant form of late. The Lilywhites have lost just once since February and have won four of their last five in the league.

Ryan Lowe’s side are making a late push for the play-offs, and they will be looking for a win today to boost those hopes.

Team News

Yakou Meite started last time out despite an injury doubt and is likely to remain in Paul Ince’s starting eleven.

Andy Carroll also started despite concerns and went on to score on Friday afternopn, whilst Tom Ince was still on the side-lines for the Royals and is a doubt.

Scott Dann found a spot on the bench last time out and could be in contention today.

Last Time Out: Reading 1-2 Preston North End; Friday, November 4, 2022

A brace from Ched Evans ensured Preston took all three points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the reverse fixture back in November.

Evans, who is unavailable for today’s game, put the Lilywhites in front before responding swiftly to a Lucas Joao penalty in the 71st minute, to give Preston all three points in the Championship.