AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has opted for Eunan O'Kane in midfield to face Reading, in a match where victory could pull the Cherries closer to the Championship playoff picture.

O'Kane replaces Harry Arter, who was sent off during the Dorset club's 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday and starts a three-game suspension.

Reading boss Nigel Adkins must do without defender Michael Hector and midfielder Hope Akpan, both of whom failed late fitness tests ahead of the game at Dean Court.

It adds to the Berkshire club's injury woes, with Mikele Leigertwood and Jem Karacan already sidelined.

Reading are currently holding on to the final Championship playoff spot, but defeat will pile on the pressure for Adkins's men as a host of teams lie five points behind.

AFC Bournemouth: Camp, Francis, Cook, Elphick, Harte, Ritchie, O'Kane, Surman, Pugh, Kermorgant, Grabban

Reading: McCarthy, Bridge, Gunter, Obita, Gorkss, Pearce, Guthrie, McAnuff, Drenthe, Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak