Reading will be looking to extend their prolonged unbeaten run when they play host to Stevenage on Saturday afternoon.
At a time when the Royals sit in eighth position in the League One table, Stevenage are 10 points adrift in 13th place.
Match preview
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When Reading suffered three consecutive defeats in the middle of January, supporters may have questioned whether Noel Hunt was the right appointment.
However, the former forward has started to prove any doubters wrong by spearheading a nine-game unbeaten streak in League One.
Although five draws have been posted during that period, the 2-0 victory over Wrexham earlier this week emphasised that Reading are progressing in the right direction.
The downside is they have failed to score more than twice in any game since New Year's Day, yet they have conceded just the four goals across the aforementioned nine-game stretch.
As a result, Reading now sit within four points of fifth position at a time when momentum seems very much in their favour ahead of three of their next four games being played at the Madejski Stadium.
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Meanwhile, Stevenage continue to enjoy a solid campaign under Alex Revell having never been in any relegation trouble throughout the season.
Nevertheless, a potential playoff bid is now out of the question having won just two of their last nine games, suffering five defeats.
Despite only going down 2-1 at leaders Birmingham City in midweek, it represented more lost ground on the teams above them, Stevenage now sitting 12 points behind sixth position.
A win in this contest is now imperative, and confidence can be taken from three victories coming from their last six games on their travels, one of those wins coming at Wrexham in January.
Team News
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Reading will be forced into at least one change with defender Michael Stickland serving a one-match suspension.
Harlee Dean is in line to return as a straight replacement, with that potentially proving to be the only change after the win over Wrexham.
Mamadi Camara is an alternative to Chem Campbell on the flank if Hunt wants to introduce fresh legs.
Jake Young could earn a recall to the Stevenage final third after his consolation goal as a substitute versus Birmingham.
Jamie Reid may drop out to accommodate his selection, while Elliott List and Louis Appere are also pushing for opportunities.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Abrefa, Dean, Bindon, Garcia; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Wareham, Ehibhatiomhan
Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Cooper, Freeman, Goode, Piergianni, Butler; Phillips, Thompson, King; Kemp, Hanlan, Young
We say: Reading 2-1 Stevenage
Stevenage have reached a stage where only three points will do if they want to remain in the playoff hunt. However, that could work in Reading's favour, leading us to predict another maximum haul for Hunt's side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
