Stoke vs Reading preview
Thursday 14 March 2019 18:08, UK
Stoke are monitoring Benik Afobe ahead of their match against Reading at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Afobe is a doubt after coming off with a hamstring complaint during Wednesday's goalless draw at Derby.
Fellow striker Sam Vokes and midfielder Peter Etebo, who have each been recovering from groin problems, will hope they are able to make their returns to action. Sam Clucas' suspension continues, with two of three games still to go.
It remains to be seen whether there is any involvement for Ovie Ejaria after the midfielder sat out Reading's 3-0 home loss to Leeds on Tuesday due to injury. Striker Nelson Oliveira has missed the Royals' last two games because of a hamstring issue and is not expected to be back this weekend.
Andy Rinomhota (ankle) is thought to have a chance of making his comeback. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (calf), Sam Baldock (thigh) and Saeid Ezatolahi (both ankle) remain sidelined.
Opta stats
Stoke have won one of their last nine matches against Reading in all competitions (D4 L4).
This will be Reading's first away Championship visit to Stoke since October 2005, winning 1-0 with a goal from Dave Kitson.
Since Nathan Jones' first Championship game in charge on January 12th, no side has scored fewer Championship goals than Stoke City (seven, level with Bolton).
Reading haven't won consecutive away Championship matches since January 2017 under Jaap Stam.
Stoke City have drawn six league matches goalless in 2018-19 - only Blackpool (seven) have drawn more goalless in the top four tiers of English football this season.
Since José Manuel Gomes' first Championship game in charge of Boxing Day, only Swansea (6,180) and Leeds (5,892) have completed more passes in the division than Reading (5,484).
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
