LFC Scout Report: Reading

Reading will aim to keep alive their survival chances when they welcome Liverpool to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Royals currently sit eight points from safety at the foot of the Premier League with only six games to play.

Newly appointed manager Nigel Adkins is still looking for his first win as Reading boss as they are stuck on a run of seven consecutive defeats.

Further defeat to Liverpool would see them equal their worst run in the Premier League and would surely ensure Championship football next season, despite it not being mathematically sealed.

Last week saw Reading take a blow in the race for survival as fellow relegation candidates Southampton beat them 2-0 at home, propelling them up to mid table.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are still in the hunt for a Europa League spot as they sit in seventh, just three points behind rivals Everton.

It would seem a Champions League place is now out of their reach as last weekend’s disappointing 0-0 draw with West Ham left the Reds nine points behind fourth placed Tottenham.

Team News:

Reading winger Jimmy Kebe has suffered a groin problem and is likely to miss the visit of Liverpool whilst midfielder Hope Akpan could also miss out after picking up an ankle injury during last weeks defeat.

Liverpool could welcome back Stewart Downing after recovering from illness last week although Raheem Sterling is not likely to play any part as he recovers from a thigh problem.

Martin Kelly (knee), Joe Allen and Fabio Borini (both shoulder) will all continue to miss out.

Key Players:

Adam Le Fondre is currently top scorer for Reading with 12 goals despite starting most games from the bench. The “super sub” is keen to erase the nickname and make a name for himself in the starting line up for Nigel Adkins.

Also looking to start upfront is Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak who was preferred by former boss Brian McDermott. The powerful Russian has eight goals to his name in his first season at the Madejski and could prove a valuable asset until the end of the season.

If Reading are to avoid relegation then their great escape must start with victory over Liverpool this weekend.