Reading prepare to host league leaders Bradford City on Saturday, with the in-form Jack Marriott central to their hopes of extending a three-match winning run at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The Royals sit ninth in League One with 11 points, four behind their visitors, who have the division's tightest defence.
Leam Richardson's side will be without Andy Rinomhota, Jeriel Dorsett and Charlie Savage due to international duty, while George Earthy remains injured. Marriott, who has scored eight goals in seven league games, is set to lead the line, supported by Kyreece Lisbie and Paddy Lane, with Josh Stokes expected to start in the number ten role.
Recent form and head-to-head context
Reading's last outing was a 2-2 draw at Wycombe, where they twice took the lead before being pegged back. They have, however, won their last three home league games, including a 2-0 victory over Notts County where Marriott scored twice. Bradford arrive on a five-match winning streak across all competitions and have kept five clean sheets in seven league games. Their interim management duo of Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle will be without Jon McCracken, Ibou Touray, Tyreik Wright and Josh Neufville.
Leam Richardson said: "Jack Marriott has been their most important player so far this season, bagging eight goals in seven league games."
The match offers Reading a chance to close the gap at the top against a side one point clear of Sheffield Wednesday. The game kicks off at 14:00 UTC on Saturday at the Madejski Stadium.
