Reading are without two experienced stars, Andy Yiadom and Sam Smith, for the trip to Fleetwood Town.
Losing just once in 10 matches, the Royals have built themselves a four-point buffer to the relegation places.
Fleetwood, who sit nine points adrift in the drop zone, beat Reading in the reverse fixture at the SCL Stadium.
Smith, on a goal drought but key for link-up in the attacking third, is replaced by Paul Mukariu.
Skipper Yiadom is also left in Berkshire, with Jeriel Dorsett and Clinton Mola as tonight's full-backs.
David Button remains in goal, fresh from a clean sheet on Saturday against Charlton, while Dorsett and Mola are joined by centre-backs Tyler Bindon and Amadou Mbengue.
Charlie Savage, Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing make up an unchanged midfield, while Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Femi Azeez complete the attacking trio.
Youngsters Jayden Wareham and Tivonge Rushesha provide options off the bench.
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