So who are we playing?: Preston North End at the Madejski Stadium.
Where are Preston in the Championship? 23rd
Recent Form? It's been a long hard season for Preston who seemed dead and buried recently, but they've rallied in recent weeks with three straight wins to move then to within eight points of safety with a game in hand.
Last time we played them? 1-1 draw at Deepdale in October, with a great goal by Jem Karacan cancelling out Keith Treacy's opener.
Any former Royals?: Nope not today.
Attendance watch: No official news from either side, but North End Fans are expecting roughly 800 to make the trip.
Any travel woes? No reported incidents.
Tilehurst End Thoughts
Although Preston are second from bottom, there is no way that Reading will be taking tonight's opposition lightly. North End have won their last three in a row and on Saturday beat Brendan Rodgers' Swansea team 2-1 at Deepdale, showing they can beat the big teams.
That being said, Reading should have nothing to fear as they look for a fifth straight league win that can put us three points clear of seventh placed Nottingham Forest, with a far superior goal difference. It'll be interesting to see if there are any nerves from the players tonight as it's the first time we've been 'defending' a play-off place rather then chasing one down, I know a lot of fans who'll be worrying about a slip up.
Historically we've been pretty good at home against North End, having not lost a home league game since 1982. Howver, Preston did beat us 2-1 in an FA Cup tie back in 2004 at the Madejski while Preston also have the honour of handing us our record ever defeat, and 18-0 scoreline in an FA Cup tie way back in 1894.
Team wise Brian's said on the OS today that Griffin and Pearce will be in contention for starts, with Mikele Leigertwood also in with half a chance of featuring. On the other hand Noel Hunt and Matt Mills aren't quite ready, nor is Adam Federici.
I have to back us to get all three points tonight despite Preston's recent good run, so I'm going for a 3-1 home win.
If you want to check out a preview from a Preston perspective please check out our article posted earlier today here.
Other Match Previews
Talksport - Phil Brown - Some comments from Phil Brown on talksport about Preston and tonight's game.