ROYALS FACE AWAY TRIP TO PROMOTION CHALLENGERS

READING FC face a tough test on the road to try and amend their away troubles against promotion pushing Middlesbrough.

Paul Ince’s men have boasted a stellar home record this season, with the fourth best in the division, but are at the other end of the scale on their travels.

Reading have won just three away matches from 17 attempts which means they have the second worst away record in the league.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents have been consistent both home and away and are pushing to win promotion to the Premier League.

Boro started the season with Chris Wilder at the helm, but he was sacked in October with the club sitting in the relegation places after 11 matches.

It has been a dramatic turnaround on Teeside since then as they have flown up the Championship table under

Michael Carrick.

After being appointed in his first managerial position, the former Manchester United midfielder has captured the attention of many by transforming the fortunes of the side.

Despite suffering defeat to West Brom last weekend, which brought an end to a run of five successive wins, Boro are knocking on the door of the automatic promotion places.

After 34 matches, Middlesbrough are on 57 points which puts them seven behind second placed Sheffield United.

Boro’s form has been in part thanks to striker Chuba Akpom who is the league’s top scorer.

Akpom has netted 19 goals in 27 matches and seems to have found his feet in the Championship after his loan spell in Greece last campaign.

In the reverse fixture, it was the Royals who went away with all three points when the team’s met in August at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Tyrese Fornah’s 28th minute strike proved to be the only goal of the game to help Reading continue their superb start to the season.

Reading’s last trip to Boro, in January 2022, ended in defeat.

Andy Carroll had given Reading the lead, but Matt Crooks broke Reading hearts with an 84th minute equaliser before he netted a dramatic 95th minute winner.