Reading vs Middlesbrough preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Reading will be looking to edge closer to the automatic spots with a win on Saturday

Lucas Eduardo Santos Joao of Reading scores their side's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Reading at Ashton Gate on February 16, 2021 in Bristol, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

By Lewis Radbourne19 February 2021 23:50 BST

Reading will be looking to claim their second win in a row on Saturday when they face Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium.

Boro are currently struggling, winning one of their last six, with the win being the recent 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.

Reading meanwhile have been on moderate form, winning two, drawing two, and losing two in their last six.

Team news

Captain Liam Moore and George Puscas should be returning soon after featuring for their U23s on Friday afternoon, but are unlikely to make the matchday squad for this one. Felipe Araruna will also be unavailable.

Josh Laurent is likely to return after being rested for their 0-2 win over Bristol City on Tuesday night.

After receiving a red card on Tuesday night, Paddy McNair will be back in contention after the red card was overturned earlier this week.

Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier and Marcus Browne are all injured.

Predicted lineups

Reading:

Rafael; Yiadom, Morrison, McIntyre, Richards, Laurent, Rinomhota, Olise, Semedo, Ejaria, Joao.

Middlesbrough:

Bettinelli; Fisher, McNair, Dijksteel, Bola, Howson, Saville, Morsy, Watmore, Johnson, Fletcher.

Ones to watch

Paddy McNair

Neil Warnock said that he couldn't think of a better player he has ever managed than McNair, which is saying something when it comes from such an experienced manager as Warnock.

A move to centre-back this season has proved to be a brilliant move for the Northern Irishman, with him being one of the best this season in the division.

Lucas Joao

The Portuguese man has been electrifying this season, scoring 17 goals in the Championship this season. He has struggled with injury in the past hindering his development, but a mostly injury-free season has resulted in brilliant numbers.

Previous meetings

The last time these two sides met was earlier in the season, when they drew 0-0 on Teesside, Middlesbrough ending Reading's winning start to the season.

Here are the highlights...

How to watch

This match will kick-off at 15:00 pm on Saturday, February 20, and is available to watch by purchasing an iFollow pass for £10.