Reading and Swansea City meet in the Championship on Tuesday evening with the two teams locked on the same points in the standings.
Before the Boxing Day fixtures, the sides occupied 12th and 11th position respectively, but are just two points adrift of the playoff spots.
Match preview
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Reading have experienced the highs and lows of Championship football this season, mixing winning streaks with losing runs, yet supporters will still be delighted with their season after fearing relegation at one stage.
Sitting eight points above the relegation zone, that may still be the case with some fans, but Reading should still be dreaming of a promotion bid while they sit two points below the playoffs.
Last time out, they were outplayed by Birmingham City in the first half of their encounter at St Andrew's before a late comeback made a 3-2 defeat look respectable.
That setback ended a two-game winning streak which had kept the Royals in the top half of the table, and Paul Ince now needs to lift his side ahead of another important period.
Since losing 3-2 in the reverse fixture to Swansea on October 18, eight of Reading's nine goals have been scored in the second half of matches.
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Not so long ago, Swansea had been on a run of seven victories from nine games, catapulting the club into contention after they had been considerably behind Reading in the table.
However, Russell Martin's side are now winless in seven matches, with five draws during that run just about keeping Swansea in the top half and close proximity to the top six.
Nevertheless, it is fair to say that Swansea have some momentum ahead of this contest after fighting back from three goals down to Coventry to earn a remarkable draw at the Sky Blues.
All three strikes came from the 68th minute onwards, and while Martin knows that his side have lost their way, that performance will only provide him with encouragement ahead of a testing trip to Berkshire.
Team News
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Ince will make changes to his Reading XI, likely handing a start to Lucas Joao after his goal as a substitute versus Birmingham.
Junior Hoilett may be considered for a role on either flank, but Andy Carroll is expected to remain among the replacements.
While Liam Moore is nearing a return from a long-term injury, this match may come too soon for the defender.
As for Swansea, Oliver Cooper is among a number of players in contention for an opportunity after the comeback at Coventry.
Joe Allen is edging nearer to a start after recovering from injury before the World Cup, while Joel Latibeaudiere and Ryan Manning will retain their spots in the team despite their ongoing contract situations.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Mbengue, Sarr, McIntyre; Yiadom, Ince, Loum, Hendrick, Hoilett; Joao, Meite
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Benda; Naughton, Cabango, Wood, Latibeaudiere; Fulton, Grimes; Manning, Cooper, Paterson; Piroe
We say: Reading 2-1 Swansea City
Given their lack of form, Swansea have done well to retain a position in the top half of the table. However, that period may come to an end on Tuesday with Reading fancied to build on their strong home performances for the majority of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
