Swansea City make the trip to Reading on Wednesday evening knowing that they require three points to give themselves a chance of claiming a place in the Championship playoffs.

The Royals welcome the Swans to the Madejski Stadium sitting in 15th position after suffering defeats in their last two matches.

Match preview

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While Steve Cooper will feel that his Swansea side should have more points to their name heading into the closing fixture, he will be content with still being involved in the playoff picture.

The chances of Cardiff City suffering a home defeat to bottom-placed Hull City seem remote, but there will be hope that Stoke can claim a victory on the road against out-of-form Nottingham Forest.

That scenario leaves Cooper and his side to focus on securing all three points in their own game, a result which would extend their return from the last six games to 13 points.

Playing away from the Liberty Stadium arguably plays into Swansea's favour with 10 points having been accumulated from their last five outings on their travels.

They square off against opponents in Reading who will be relatively pleased with their season, much of it with Mark Bowen in charge.

Despite the criticism which came when he effectively appointed himself as manager, the Welshman has recorded 14 wins and 12 draws from 39 matches in all competitions.

That has provided the Royals with some much needed stability, with Reading being ranked in eighth place in the form table since Bowen took his place in the dugout.

That could have been far better had his players not under-performed against Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, games which came on the back of the club mathematically securing their second-tier status for another season.

Providing that he can retain the services of John Swift and Yakou Meite, Bowen will feel that Reading are in good shape ahead of a promotion bid during the next campaign.

Reading Championship form: LWDWLL

Swansea City Championship form: DWWLDW

Team News

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Bowen may hand a start to Sam Baldock after the Reading forward scored after his introduction from the substitutes' bench at the weekend.

Liam Moore is also likely to take the place of Tom McIntyre, who is expected to miss out through injury.

Swansea boss Cooper may select an unchanged starting lineup for the trip to Berkshire.

Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman remains out of contention with the hip injury which kept him out of the last match, while Kyle Naughton is suspended.

Reading possible starting lineup:
Cabral; Osho, Moore, Morrison, Blackett; Olise, Rimonhota, Swift, Obita; Meite, Baldock

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Mulder; Cabango, Van der Hoorn, Guehi; Roberts, Fulton, Grimes, Bidwell; Gallagher; Ayew, Brewster

We say: Reading 1-3 Swansea City

With the mentality that only three points will do, we expect Swansea to battle their way to victory over Reading, who may struggle to cope in defence if the visitors find their stride.

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