Reading's push for the League One playoffs faces a stern examination away to high-flying Stockport County this Saturday. The Royals, currently sixth in the table with 22 points, must handle a significant injury crisis to take on a side that has won all of its last five home games.

Leam Richardson's squad is stretched thin. Benn Ward is recovering from a pelvic injury, Josh Knight picked up a knock in the FA Cup win over Peterborough, and George Earthy is out with a foot problem. Jacob Brown is struggling with a rib issue, while Andy Rinomhota is away on international duty with Zimbabwe. Lewis Wing is playing through injections, and Paudie O'Connor is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. "I don’t think so," was Richardson's brief response when asked about the availability of some players.

In light of these absences, academy products like Boyd Beacroft and Philip Duah are being prepared for selection. Udoka-Godwin Malife could shift from right-back to centre-half alongside the only available senior defender, Conor Masterson, with Ashqar Ahmed set to play at fullback. Midfielder Charlie Savage is expected to get more league minutes, and Sean Patton, who scored against Bristol Rovers, may be named on the bench.

Stockport's formidable home form

Stockport, sitting second after 14 games, have been formidable at Edgeley Park. They have lost just one of their last ten matches winning eight. Their attack is led by Kyle Wootton, who has scored nine goals this season, including six in his last eight appearances. Reading have won only one of their last five away league games, making this a daunting trip.

The head-to-head record also favours the hosts, with Stockport winning two of the last four meetings, Reading winning one and the other ending in a draw. The last encounter finished as a 2-1 victory for Stockport. Reading's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and a loss from their last five outings, including a 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers last time out where Sean Patton and Jerae Jones were on the scoresheet.

Jack Marriott remains Reading's chief goal threat with eight strikes this season. The Royals will need his finishing touch if they are to upset the odds and solidify their place in the standings. The match kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at Edgeley Park.