Reading and Bolton Wanderers square off on Saturday afternoon with both clubs battling to remain in contention for the League One playoffs.
At a time when the Royals have dropped down to 10th place in the table, Bolton are seventh having reacted positively to the departure of Ian Evatt.
Match preview
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Across the Christmas and New Year period, there were signs that Noel Hunt was the perfect successor to Ruben Selles as three successive wins were posted.
However, Reading have since lost four games in a row, starting with an FA Cup defeat to Burnley and continuing in the league.
Eight goals have been shipped in defeats to Stockport County, Leyton Orient and Burton Albion, the first two losses coming against playoff rivals.
Hunt then witnessed his side fight back to get back on level terms with Burton before conceding a 90th-minute winner, resulting in the Royals dropping down to 10th spot.
On their worst run of the season, Reading are now attempting to move level on points with their seventh-placed opponents in what feels like a potentially-pivotal contest.
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As far as Bolton are concerned, caretaker manager Julian Darby has instigated an upturn in mood at the club after the exit of Evatt.
The club legend has overseen victories over Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town to kickstart Bolton's bid to earn a playoff place.
Before the change in the dugout, Bolton had not won successive matches in the third tier since October, and the decision has been made to keep Darby in charge for this contest.
Bolton have put together one of the best away records in the division, accumulating 20 points from their 13 fixtures, while two of their six victories have come in their last three such outings.
Team News
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Kelvin Abrefa and Mamadi Camara are both options to be recalled by Hunt having initially helped Reading get back on level terms versus Burton.
Seventeen-year-old defender Andre Garcia is among those who could drop out as Hunt tries to instigate a change in fortunes.
Meanwhile, Darby may see no reason to tinker with a team that got the better of Northampton in midweek.
Nevertheless, Joel Randall has put himself in contention for a recall in midfield, the recent addition from Peterborough United chipping in with an assist as a substitute in the previous game.
Josh Dacres-Cogley is an alternative at right wing-back if Darby wishes to introduce fresh legs.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Craig, Dean, Bindon, Abrefa; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Smith, Ehibhatiomhan
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Jones, Forrester, Johnston; Osei-Tutu, Morley, Sheehan, Thomason, Schon; Collins, Adeboyejo
We say: Reading 2-2 Bolton Wanderers
With Bolton currently on a high ahead of eventually appointing a new manager, they are the clear favourites for this contest. However, we feel that Reading could benefit from being the underdogs to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining tussle.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
