Stoke City will be looking for their first Championship win of 2023 when they host Reading at the bet365 Stadium in Staffordshire on Saturday afternoon.
The Potters have only found success in terms of victory in the FA Cup so far this calendar year, and the same can be said for the Royals, who have slipped down the second-tier table after a promising start to the campaign.
Match preview
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Stoke are without a win in their last four second-tier fixtures as pressure continues to build on manager Alex Neil, although his side did record a victory in the FA Cup a fortnight ago.
Own goals from Euan Murray and Rollin Menayese alongside a first-half strike from Jacob Brown secured Stoke a 3-0 win at Hartlepool United and passage into the fourth round of the competition, where they have been handed a favourable home tie against Stevenage - although Steve Evans's side will not be underestimated after their shocking win over Aston Villa.
Focus returned to Championship matters last weekend as the Potters were the latest victims of Sheffield United's promotion charge, with a brace from Jayden Bogle and a goal from Iliman Ndiaye condemning Neil's men to a 3-1 defeat at Bramall Lane.
Nick Powell managed to grab his third of the campaign for the visitors in Yorkshire, but that strike had no impact on the distribution of the points a week ago, with Stoke now sitting 20th in the Championship, just four points above Huddersfield Town who occupy the highest of the relegation positions.
Only 12 of Stoke's 30 Championship points have been collected at the bet365 Stadium this season, with only the aforementioned Terriers having picked up fewer points in front of their home fans in the division.
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Reading looked set for successive wins in all competitions after a first-half brace from midfielder Jeff Hendrick gave Paul Ince's men a commanding 2-0 lead against Queens Park Rangers at the half-time interval last Saturday.
Disappointingly for the Royals, Rangers attacker Tyler Roberts managed to net twice himself in the second period to force a share of the spoils at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
A win against Neil Critchley's Londoners would have propelled Reading into 10th place, level on points with Norwich City, Millwall and Luton Town, but that draw means they are instead 14th, four points behind the playoffs.
That gap to sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion is by no means insurmountable, although a record of one win from their last five Championship matches is not the type of run that will see Ince's side genuinely compete for a top-six place this season.
The Royals are notably a side who struggle on their second-tier travels, with Reading conceding a league-high 24 goals in 14 away matches so far this campaign.
Team News
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Stoke striker Powell is a doubt for Saturday's clash with Reading after limping off at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United, meaning Tyrese Campbell or Dwight Gayle could be promoted to the starting XI in his place.
Sam Clucas remains unavailable for the hosts after undergoing surgery for a persistent back problem in November, with the club hoping to have the winger back in action by the end of the month.
Right-back Dujon Sterling has endured a frustrating campaign due to a groin injury since joining on loan from Chelsea in the summer, but manager Neil is optimistic the 23-year-old is close to a full return in the coming weeks.
Reading suffered a massive blow during the stalemate with QPR as midfielder Sam Hutchinson picked up an Achilles injury in the first half - manager Ince has confirmed the veteran is expected to be sidelined for a month.
Andy Carroll was forced off in the second half against the R's after rolling his ankle and left the stadium wearing a protective boot, although Ince is hopeful of having the forward available on Saturday.
Better news for the Royals comes in the form of Tyrese Fornah, who returned to training this week after missing Reading's last five matches with an injury, meaning the midfielder could be fit for selection this weekend.
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bonham; Souttar, Jagielka, Fox; Wilmot, Thompson, Baker, Tymon; Laurent; Brown, Gayle
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, Sarr; Hoilett, Ndiaye, Hendrick, Fornah, Baba; Ince, Joao
We say: Stoke City 2-1 Reading
Stoke have not started 2023 in the best fashion and considerable pressure will be on Neil to earn all three points against a Reading side who have been prone to self-destruction away from home.
The Royals' squad took a further beating last weekend with injuries to Hutchinson, Carroll and Long, which could contribute to a disappointing result in Staffordshire this weekend.
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