Managerless West Bromwich Albion will hope to escape the relegation zone when they face Reading on Saturday afternoon.

West Brom sacked Steve Bruce on Monday morning after a very poor start to the season, with Bruce leaving West Brom in 22nd place and winless in their last eight games.

Reading however are near the top of the table, with Paul Ince's side currently sat in fifth place, two points off the top of the table. They will be hoping to finish the weekend top of the table, as long as results go their way. 

Team news

Shane Long is back in contention after a spell out through illness, although Sam Hutchinson is likely to be out for a month after picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend's defeat at Queens Park Rangers. 

Richard Beale, WBA's U21 manager, will be taking charge of the game, so it is hard to pinpoint how he will lineup. Expect John Swift to start against his former side, though.

Likely lineups

Reading:

Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, McIntyre, Hoilett, Hendrick, Loum, Fornah, Guinness-Walker, Joao, Carroll.

West Bromwich Albion:

Palmer; O'Shea, Kelly, Pieters, Phillips, Livermore, Rogic, Townsend, Wallace, Swift, Grant.

Key players 

Andy Carroll

Embed from Getty Images

The striker returned to Reading for a second spell this season and has started off very well, being integral to the way Reading play with his physicality and ability in the air, being the Royals’ focal point going forward.

Jed Wallace 

Embed from Getty Images

The winger signed in the summer after spending the last five seasons at Millwall, and has been a shining light in a poor West Brom side. With three goals and two assists already this season, his creativity is amongst some of the best in the division.

Match details

Where is the game being played?

This match will be hosted by the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the home of Reading.

What time is kick-off?

This match will take place on Saturday, October 15 and is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST.

How can I watch?

The fixture will not be shown live on TV, however video and audio is available on both club websites.