ROYALS FACE HIGH FLYING FULHAM

READING face a tough away test against promotion favourites Fulham on Saturday (3pm) at Craven Cottage.

The Royals are still looking for their first clean sheet of the season and have conceded the most goals of any side in England’s top four divisions this season (17).

Despite their defensive woes, Veljko Paunovic’s side have had no trouble in finding the net at the right end and have scored the joint second most of any side in the Championship (13).

John Swift has netted more than half of Reading’s goals this season and is currently the league’s top scorer with seven.

Fulham have made a good start back to life in the Championship having been relegated from the Premier League last season.

Under new manager Marco Silva, the West London side have won four of their opening six matches to put them third in the table before their Wednesday night match away at Birmingham City.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been crucial to their side and has already netted four times and registered two assists in six matches.

Fabio Carvalho has also had a promising start to the season with three goals and an assist.

Prior to Wednesday’s match, Fulham have scored the same amount of league goals as Reading but have conceded just four times.

The Royals had a successful trip on their last visit to Craven Cottage in the 2019/20 season when they defeated Fulham on New Year’s Day thanks to goals from John Swift and Charlie Adam to confirm a 2-1 win.

Reading’s growing list of injuries continued in Tuesday night's win over Peterborough as captain Liam Moore was forced off before halftime and is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, new signings Scott Dann and Danny Drinkwater are expected to be in contention to make the matchday squad, while Andy Rinomhota is close to a return.