Preston North End play host to Reading on Saturday afternoon looking to create further breathing space between themselves and the Championship relegation zone, with the gap currently standing at five points.
Reading travel to Deepdale under the guidance of caretaker manager Martin Kuhl, who was placed in charge after Steve Clarke was removed from his position last week.
Preston North End
© Getty ImagesPreston may only be sitting in 18th position in the Championship table after 19 games, but it has been years since the club enjoyed a week like they have done over the past few days.
Last season's League One playoff success was huge considering that the Lilywhites had spent four years at the third tier, but that triumph was little in comparison to making the short trip to Turf Moor to face Lancashire rivals Burnley and returning with a 2-0 victory.
The second-half efforts from Will Keane and Daniel Johnson gave the club's supporters the bragging rights for the area, in the short term at least, but the win was equally important from a long-term perspective, with Preston also moving five points clear of the relegation zone, and extending their current run of results to just one defeat in nine outings.
When Preston lost their record of six successive clean sheets in the 2-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers, there may have been fears that a slump in results would follow, but there is a strong togetherness at Deepdale and Preston look in far better shape than some of their relegation rivals.
Manager Simon Grayson will be quietly optimistic that his team can move towards mid-table in the coming weeks, but for now, they must ensure that they build on ending Burnley's nine-match unbeaten streak so that they do not spend the Christmas fixtures looking over their shoulders.
Recent form: DWDLDW
Reading
© Getty ImagesFor much of this week, Reading have been linked with a reunion with former manager Brian McDermott after the sacking of Steve Clarke, but it was confirmed on Thursday that the side would be led by caretaker boss Martin Kuhl on Saturday.
After taking training since Clarke's departure, it is a move that makes sense, but while the 50-year-old will be aware that his tenure is likely to last just 90 minutes, he will know that his role this week is to try to begin a revival after just one win in eight matches.
Six points during that period would have seemed unthinkable after Clarke had previously guided the Royals to 18 points from seven fixtures, but the club cannot afford to dwell on the past if they are to halt their fall down the standings.
Despite losing for the fourth time in seven outings at home to Queens Park Rangers last week, Reading remain just two points below the top six, and victory on Saturday would give McDermott, or whoever is placed in charge, the ideal platform to take the reins.
Getting Nick Blackman back on the goal trail could be key to Reading getting points on the board. The 26-year-old scored 10 times in as many games earlier in the season, but the former Sheffield United man is without a goal in his last seven outings.
Recent form: DDLWLL
Team News
© Getty ImagesBarring any late fitness issues, Grayson is unlikely to make any alterations to his Preston starting lineup after last week's success against Burnley.
As far as Reading are concerned, Kuhl could tinker with the team that under-performed against QPR on December 3.
Hal Robson-Kanu may start after returning from injury in that fixture, while defender Paul McShane has been declared fit.
Orlando Sa could also get the nod over Matej Vydra in attack as Reading search for a solution to their recent lack of goals.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Pickford, Vermijl, Clarke, Huntington, Cunningham, Johnson, Browne, Gallagher, Reach, Keane, Garner
Reading possible starting lineup:
Al-Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, Hector, McShane, Norwood, Williams, Fernandez, McCleary, Sa, Blackman
Head To Head
In 51 matches between the two sides, the head-to-head record is close, with Reading winning 19 times and Preston emerging victorious on 20 occasions.
Due to Preston's time in League One, they have not met since 2011, when Reading ran out 2-1 winners at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading are also unbeaten in the last five fixtures, with the Lilywhites not recording victory since October 2008.
We say: Preston North End 1-1 Reading
Preston will be full of confidence after beating their fierce rivals, but they may find it difficult to repeat the level of performance that they produced at Turf Moor. That could let in a Reading side which will feature players who will be keen to show any potential new manager that they want to remain in the first team.
