Paul Ince's men trailed to Callum O'Dowda's early opener before goals in either half from Shane Long and Tom Ince turned the game around.

With three points from their opening two outings this term, the Royals sit ninth in the Championship, three points behind league leaders Blackburn Rovers.

Next up is the challenge of an opposing side who have only come out on top in one of the previous five meetings between the teams across all competitions.

Fresh from a first competitive home triumph since April last time out, Tuesday's hosts will head into the contest with the wind in their sails.

Stevenage maintained their 100% start to the new campaign courtesy of a 2-1 win over Stockport County at the Broadhall Way on Saturday.

Steve Evans's men went behind to Callum Camps's goal just before the hour mark after which late strikes from Luke Norris and Jamie Reid turned the game on its head.

As a result, the Boro are fifth in the League Two table as things stands, but they only trail current leaders Walsall only on goal difference.

Having recorded four wins and as many clean sheets from their last six away games, Tuesday's visitors have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack away from home.

Reading form (all competitions):

Stevenage form (all competitions):

Team News

After coming off the bench to good effect for Stevenage last time out, Jamie Reid could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup here.

Elliott List was absent for the away side's victory over Stockport on Saturday, and the midfielder is a huge doubt for Tuesday's encounter as well.

Shane Long found the back of the net on his full debut for Reading and the Irishman is expected to lead the line once again in this one.

Thirty-three-year-old Sam Hutchinson is set to miss a third game on the bounce as he continues to battle with a hamstring problem.

Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Hoilett, Yiadom, Holmes, McIntyre, Guiness-Walker; Ince, Fornah, Hendrick, Ejaria; Long

Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Ashby-Hammond; Clark, Piergianni, Vancooten, Sweeney, Wildin; Taylor, Bostwick, Reeves; Norris, Roberts

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We say: Reading 2-1 Stevenage

Playing in front of their fans, Reading will be expected to seize the initiative and take the fight to Stevenage. We are tipping the home side to emerge triumphant, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.