Having posted successive 1-0 victories over Watford and Tottenham Hotspur in the space of a few days, everything felt set up for Sheffield United to record another notable win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
However, conceding an early goal at the home of one of their direct rivals proved decisive, the Blades ultimately going down to that solitary strike to be pulled back into the pack.
Possessing the chance to re-establish a seven-point gap, that perception could change with victory on Tuesday, but Paul Heckingbottom’s team are without an away league victory in four attempts.
With fifth-placed Luton Town to follow the trip to Berkshire, this feels like Sheffield United’s biggest match of the season to date as they bid to give themselves some breathing space in the promotion race.
In the short term, Sheffield United have lost three of their most recent five outings, and it remains to be seen whether they are capable of matching opponents who possess a strong home record.
Despite sitting in the bottom half of the standings, Reading have prevailed in 10 of their 16 fixtures at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Each of their three defeats came before the World Cup break, with Paul Ince’s side now six matches unbeaten on familiar territory, seven in all competitions if you include the FA Cup win over a weakened Watford side.
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However, the Royals have won just two of their last 10 matches, the fifth defeat during that time coming at Middlesbrough by a 5-0 scoreline at the weekend.
Although Reading have lost five away fixtures in succession, they have consistently responded in a positive manner at their home ground, and they will back themselves to take advantage of the growing pressure on their next opponents.
Goalkeeper Joe Lumley will return to the Reading XI after being unable to face his parent club Middlesbrough last time out.Ince may look to freshen up his side further forward with Tyrese Fornah and Lucas Joao both options in midfield and attack, the latter recently returning from injury.
