The prolific goal-scorer will be making his first start in the league since the end of September, when he came off injured during a 2-2 draw with Wycombe Wanderers. He came off the bench for the Royals on Saturday against Plymouth Argyle, but will now be looking to get back into his rhythm by adding to his eight goals so far in the league.

Haydon Roberts also returns to the starting line-up after being benched for the Plymouth game, being replaced by Portsmouth loanee Josh Knight - Jeriel Dorsett moved across to the left-back position for that draw.

Daniel Kyerewaa will be looking for his first goal contribution since September, as he gets his first start of the season, replacing Randell Williams.

Reading: Pereira; Malife; Roberts; Rinomhota; Marriott; Wing ©; O’Connor; Dorsett; Lisbie; Stokes; Kyerewaa

Subs: Stevens; Fraser; Reid; Williams; Knight; Savage; Brown

There is also some encouraging news on the injury front for Benn Ward and George Earthy, with both players edging closer to a return after spending time on the sidelines.

Ward has returned to training on grass but remains under careful management due to the nature of his injury.

"He's on the grass, but he's being monitored quite closely with what it is," Richardson said.

"It's a pubic, bony injury, so they've got to be really careful with that.

"If he can carry on and then have no reaction, we can push him further and further until he's back there to get him back on the pitch.

"Hopefully he'll be back involved at Stockport."

Earthy is following a similar programme, with Richardson hopeful the midfielder could be back in training with the squad next week.

"Hopefully, in a perfect world, he'll be back training with us next week, looking towards Stockport," Richardson said.

"If not, then it will be still watch this space because of the type of injuries that they are, so Ben and George are very much the same.

"I'm, in my mind, pencilling Stockport in. I think the medical team will probably be pencilling another game further down the line, but I think the lads are on my page as well."

Paddy Lane is out with a calf injury until early 2027.