Reading v Milton Keynes Dons preview: Royals forced into reshuffle

Reading manager Jaap Stam will be forced into changing his side for the first time in four games as he is without suspended defender Joey van den Berg against MK Dons.

The Dutch centre-back was sent off against Brighton on Saturday for two bookable offences, having earlier scored an own goal in the 2-2 draw.

New signing Liam Moore only joined the Royals on Sunday and may not be ready to feature in the EFL Cup tie against the Dons.

Reading will be looking to get back to their winning ways after only picking up one point in their last three Championship games.

Dons boss Karl Robinson is expected to make several changes for the second-round tie.

Lee Nicholls will probably replace David Martin in goal while youngsters such as George Williams, Oran Jackson, Ben Tilney, David Kasumu, Connor Furlong, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Andrew Osei-Bonsu, Giorgio Rasulo and Kabongo Tshimanga could also be given a chance again, as they were in the first round at Newport.

Paul Downing missed the league win against Rochdale on Saturday through illness and will be assessed but record signing Kieran Agard and midfielder Darren Potter will remain absent after missing out at Spotland.

Ben Reeves made his return from a calf injury at the weekend and the midfielder could be involved again as he continues to regain full fitness.