Reading will be looking to continue their ascent up the table when they host Charlton Athletic at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Two wins from their last three matches, including a comfortable 3-0 victory over Rotherham United on Tuesday, have seen the Royals edge closer to the top half as they look to fulfil their pre-season predictions as playoff contenders.

Another win at the weekend would draw them level with their opponents, and with three of the top six guaranteed to drop points due to them playing each other, Saturday serves as a good opportunity for those below to close the gap.

Nigel Adkins will certainly be confident of success due to his side's recent home form, which has seen them score 15 goals in their last six games, losing one and winning four in the process.

The hosts will also be boosted by the return of Garath McCleary from injury, although he may be forced to settle for a place on the bench as Adkins looks to ease him back.

Anton Ferdinand and Danny Williams made their own returns in midweek, but two games in a matter of days could be too much for them following recent fitness issues.

Charlton, meanwhile, have maintained relatively steady form since losing their long unbeaten run last month, although it is now three games without a victory for the Addicks.

Bob Peeters saw his side twice come from behind to earn a point against Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday, their first goals on the road since November.

That away form will be a minor worry for Peeters, with just one victory on their travels so far, although they have proven hard to beat with only two defeats.

Rhoys Wiggins is once again on the injury table for the visitors having fractured his foot in the draw with Leeds, and the left-back is expected to miss six weeks of action.

Igor Vetokele continues to step up his recovery from injury, however, and the striker could now be fit enough to start having made consecutive appearances off the bench.

Recent form

Reading: WLWLLL

Charlton: DDLWLD

Possible starting lineups

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Hector, Pearce, Obita; Mackie, Akpan, Norwood, Robson-Kanu; Murray, Cox

Charlton: Henderson; Wilson, Bikey, Ben Haim, Solly; Gudmundsson, Buyens, Jackson, Cousins; Moussa; Vetokele

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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