Reading's promotion push receives a major boost with striker Jack Marriott expected to return from injury for the key away game against Plymouth. The top-of-the-table clash at Home Park on Saturday could reshape the League One title race, with Reading currently sixth on 21 points, just four behind leaders Huddersfield. Marriott, the division's most prolific scorer this season with eight goals in just seven appearances, is understood to have recovered in time for the fixture.
His return comes at a vital moment for a Reading side that has won its last two league matches. Victories over Leyton Orient and Barnsley have lifted the Royals to within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots. The 2-1 win against Barnsley last week, secured by a Kyreece Joshua Lisbie brace, showed the team's attacking threat even in Marriott's absence. His established record, averaging a goal every 64 minutes he plays, provides a different dimension.
The manager also highlighted the importance of managing the striker's minutes carefully after his layoff.
Plymouth pose top-of-the-table challenge
Saturday's opponents, Plymouth Argyle, sit one place and one point above Reading in fifth, having played a game more. The match represents a direct opportunity for Rubén Sellés's side to leapfrog a rival and solidify their own top-six credentials. With a congested schedule featuring five away games in the next 15 days, starting well at Home Park is important. The team's recent form of three wins from their last five league outings provides a solid platform.
Home Park is expected to be near its 18,000 capacity for the fixture.
Marriott's goalscoring threat remains vital
Marriott's fitness is a significant factor. His eight-goal haul this campaign has been central to Reading's attack, which has netted 25 times in 12 games. His potential partnership with in-form players like Lisbie and Lewis Wing, who provided the assist for the winner against Leyton Orient, could be key to unlocking a Plymouth defence that has kept three clean sheets in its last five home matches. Reading's overall defensive record of conceding just 13 goals also gives them a foundation to build from in these tight contests.
The club's medical staff have been pleased with the striker's recovery from a minor hamstring strain sustained in training two weeks ago.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus is solely on the Plymouth fixture. A positive result would maintain momentum ahead of a demanding run of away matches detailed on the club's fixtures page. The Royals travel to Home Park on 31 October for a 3pm kick-off.
The report in full is at windsorexpress.co.uk
