TIGERS TEST AWAITS AGAINST FORMER ROYAL

READING FC are hoping to get their home form back on track when they host Hull City on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The Royals had boasted a formidable home record in stark contrast to their dismal away form which had prevented them from getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

However, two home defeats in the matter of a few days, against Sheffield United and Millwall, and with a six-point deduction looming looks likely to pull Paul Ince’s men into a battle for survival.

Before Reading’s Wednesday night trip to Blackburn (match report online at rdg.today), the team are in 16th position on 44 points from 36 games.

A six point deduction would see them slide down the standings for the remaining chapter of the campaign.

Saturday’s opponents are one place and two points above Reading prior to their Wednesday night match at home to table toppers Burnley.

Former Reading player Liam Rosenior is in charge of the

Tigers having been appointed in November to take over from Shota Arveladze who was sacked with the team in 21st position.

Rosenior has managed to transform Hull’s hopes and has pulled them away from the drop zone with improved form over the last few months.

Rosenior, who played 69 times for the Royals between 2007-2010, took charge of his first game as Hull boss up against his former team.

It was Ince’s side who came out on top that day in the final match before the World Cup break.

With the game headed for a 1-1 draw after Yakou Meite had levelled to cancel out Jacob Greaves’ early goal, Reading snatched all three points in stoppage time when Andy Carroll’s influence led to Ryan Longman scoring a 94th minute own goal.

The Tigers ensured they moved further away from the drop zone in their last two matches.

They picked up three points at home to in-form West Brom with a goal from Benjamin Tetteh and a Dara O’Shea own goal before an away draw with Coventry City.

Hull’s last two visits to Berkshire have ended in 1-1 draws.