Key Battles: Reading FC v Ipswich Town

Paul McShane vs Freddie Sears

The former West Ham graduate is Ipswich's main man up front, last season Sears got six goals and nine assists including one against Reading in the 5-1 defeat at the Madejski Stadium. Sears' goals helped the Tractor Boys to an impressive seventh place, five points from the play offs.

However, the 26 year old has yet to score this season, but does have one assist to his name. Looking to make his barren spell continue in front of goal will be Paul McShane, the Irishman formed a solid partnership with Liam Moore at Cardiff and will be looking to do the same on Friday night.

Sears is different to the strikers that McShane has dealt with this season. This is because Sears is only 5 ft 7 so McShane will have the advantage in height. However, Sears has pace, skill and good technique, something that makes up for his lack of height.

If will be therefore be interesting as to how McShane copes with Sears, because if he is allowed into space he will punish you.

Tyler Blackett vs Grant Ward

The 21 year old signed in the summer from Tottenham has been in sensational form since the start of the season. In his first five league games Ward has scored four goals for the Tractor Boys. This included a hattrick against Barnsley on the opening day of the season, when Ward was brought on as a half time substitute.

Hoping to keep him quiet will be Tyler Blackett. The left back put in solid display on his debut last time out at Cardiff. It will be interesting as to how Blackett deals with Ward, as the right winger is full of pace, skill and also confidence.

If Blackett can stop Ward from replicating his brilliant form shown in August, then this will go a long way in Reading coming away with three points on Friday night.

Yann Kermorgant vs Christophe Berra

The Scottish international helped Ipswich keep 16 clean sheets last season. Berra will be looking to give Yann Kermorgant a tough time on Friday night.

Kermorgant got his first goal of the season and the winner in the 1-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium last time out. Getting this timely monkey of his back should hopefully give Kermorgant the confidence in which to build on and will now be Jaap Stam's first choice striker, as the Royals failed to add one during the end of the transfer window.

This battle will certainly be a fascinating one between Kermorgant and Berra mainly due to the height of the players. Kermorgant is 6ft and 1/2in tall, while Berra is 6ft 3in tall. So it will be interesting as to who wins the headers from the long balls and crosses.