Saturday's fixture is a battle between two sides facing relegation from the Premier League as Reading host fellow struggling outfit Aston Villa.

The outcome of this weekend's encounter could prove crucial in terms of the race for survival as the Royals currently sit one point below their Midlands rivals, who are third from bottom in the table.

Reading and Villa both head into Saturday's game with just one win in their last five fixtures, which consist of three defeats and a draw, but Villa were able to clinch a slender 1-0 victory over Reading in November.

Villa were dealt a blow ahead of this fixture when Fabian Delph was handed a two-match ban for picking up his 10th yellow card during his side's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday.

Delph's absence could pave the way for Yacouba Sylla, while Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt could start up front for the home side at the Madejski Stadium.

Recent form

Reading: LLLWD

Aston Villa: LLWDL

Possible starting lineups

Reading: Taylor; Kelly, Mariappa, Pearce, Harte; Kebe, Leigertwood, Akpan, McAnuff; Le Fondre, Hunt

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett; Weimann, Westwood, Sylla, Agbonlahor; N'Zogbia; Benteke

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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