Reading v Middlesbrough

Last updated : 04 March 2011 By BBC Sport

Reading right-back Andy Griffin has been sidelined with an Achilles injury, but has a chance of being involved.Mathieu Manset is fit again after a calf injury but keeper Adam Federici is still out with a knee problem, so Alex McCarthy will continue in goal.

Boro's Julio Arca is battling knee and toe injuries, and faces a fitness test.

Rhys Williams could return, but Andrew Davies, Matthew Bates, Justin Hoyte, Stephen McManus, Jonathan Franks, Danny Coyne and Kevin Thomson are still out.

MATCH PREVIEW

In-form Reading return to Championship business following their 1-0 win at Premier League Everton in midweek, which saw them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the second season running.

And they are looking to extend their unbeaten league run run to five games, having come back from 3-1 down to rescue a draw in a thrilling match at Crystal Palace last time out.

Middlesbrough have won only one of their last five games, but were unlucky not to beat Nottingham Forest in midweek and they do have some breathing space, having managed to move six points clear of the relegation zone.

A victory on Saturday would be another step in the right direction for the Teessiders. It would also be their first away win this season against a team currently in the top 10.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This is the 20th league match between these clubs. Reading have won only four of the previous 19, and Middlesbrough seven.

• A win for Boro would complete the club's second league 'double' over the Royals.

Reading

• Reading have drawn 15 Championship matches so far this season - more than any other team.

• Another draw would be the Royals' 200th in the second tier.

• Ian Harte could make the 400th appearance of his club career.

Middlesbrough

• A win would complete Boro's second league 'double' of the campaign. They have already beaten Scunthorpe both home and away.

• They have conceded 47 league goals this season - only three less than they let in throughout the whole of last term.

• Leroy Lita is set to face his former club.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport