Lex Immers vs Liam Moore
The Dutch striker who was signed on a permanent deal from Feyenoord following a loan spell last season is Cardiff's main man up front. Last season whilst on loan Immers got five goals in fifteen appearances for the Bluebirds and one assist to his name, as Cardiff finished 8th, six points outside the play offs. Immers hasn't scored this season as of yet, however with Reading's leaky defence that may all change this Saturday.
Looking to make his barren spell in front of goal continue will be Liam Moore. The central defender will be aiming to make his league debut for Reading, despite picking up cramp in a penalty shoot-out win over MK Dons on Tuesday night. His pace, alongside the experience of partner Paul McShane, should hopefully prevent Immers from getting in behind the Reading defence.
It will therefore be interesting as to how the new partnership of Moore and McShane cope with Immers. If the Cardiff forward is allowed into space, he will punish you. So the Reading defence need to be awake to make sure this doesn't happen.
Peter Whittingham vs Paul McShane
The Englishman is one of the current longest serving players at the club, having been at Cardiff since 2007, and in my view is one of the best dead ball specialists in the Championship. Last season Whittingham got six goals and seven assists to his name, with most of these coming from set pieces. Even at the age of 31 he still has a wand of a left foot, which can cause many problems for any defence.
Looking to make sure this doesn't happen will be Paul McShane. The Republic of Ireland international has just been recalled to the national team following his absence from Euro 2016. McShane will have to use all his experience in order to deal with Whittingham's set pieces. This will involve using his terrific heading ability, but more importantly he will, as captain, need to keep the back four organised.
If McShane can do that, Reading should have no problems in dealing with Whittingham's set pieces. However if not then it will be another case of Reading conceding from a set piece, a common error that has happened far too often.
Sean Morrison vs Yann Kermorgant
The former Reading centre back is expected to start once again against his former employers on Saturday. Morrison is still disliked by the Reading fans for the way he left the club in the summer of 2014, with former Reading manager Nigel Adkins saying:
"Sean came to see me and said he wanted to speak to Cardiff. He saw the director of football (Nick Hammond) as well to reiterate what he said to me."
Last season Morrison kept ten clean sheets, scored three goals and got one assist to his name. Morrison is likely to receive a hostile reception from the travelling Reading fans and looking to make sure he has a bad game will be Yann Kermorgant.
Like Immers, Kermorgant has failed to score this season, but came close in the 2-2 draw against Brighton last weekend. The Frenchman has a great chance to open his 2016/17 account against a Cardiff defence that has conceded five goals in four Championship fixtures this season.
Once again Kermorgant's height and strength will be key in order to win headers and hold the ball up, allowing his teammates to join the attack, as the Royals look to get their first three points away from home this season.
This battle will certainly be a fascinating one between Morrison and Kermorgant mainly due to the height of the players. Kermorgant is 6ft and 1/2in tall, while Morrison is 6ft 4in tall. So it will be interesting as to who wins the headers from the long balls and crosses.
Are there other clashes that you think could decide the match? Let us know in the comments section below.