Stoke City vs Reading prediction, preview, team news, and more

A struggling Stoke City host Reading at the Britannia Stadium this weekend, hoping to end their winless run in the Championship.

The Potters, languishing in mid-table after an inconsistent season, are without a victory in seven league games.

Back in the Championship in 2018, after a decade-long sojourn in the top-flight, they may have to wait a while longer for promotion.

On the other hand, a strong run in the league has Reading dreaming about a return to the Premier League. They were last in the English top-flight during the 2012-13 season.

The Royals are currently fourth in the second division with 14 wins from 26 games and 47 points accrued.

Unbeaten in six games, they are just eight points behind runaway leaders Norwich City with a game in hand.

Stoke City vs Reading Head-To-Head

In 53 meetings, the spoils are almost evenly shared with just two wins separating the sides overall. Stoke City are in the lead with 19 wins, but Reading will be hoping to close the gap, having beaten them 17 times before.

⚽#SCFC are back in action at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday as they face #readingfc. The Potters are unbeaten against Reading in their last 8 matches. 👇 #EFL @caringforcare pic.twitter.com/HQ41TEuGHV
— Stoke City StatZone (@scfcsz) February 4, 2021

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However, it's worth noting that Reading's last win against Stoke City came way back in April 2006. Meanwhile, they were hammered 3-0 at home in the first leg of their clash this season.

Stoke City Form Guide (all competitions): L-D-D-L-D

Reading Form Guide (all competitions): W-L-W-D-W

Stoke City vs Reading Team News

Stoke City

The hosts do not have any fresh injury concerns. However, Ryan Shawcross is recovering from COVID-19 and will remain in isolation.

Injured: None

Suspended: None

Unavailable: None

A reminder of what's in store in another massive month for the Royals! 📆It all starts in Stoke on Saturday! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/MF2BDpT4YC
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) February 4, 2021

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Reading

George Puscas underwent surgery last month and won't return to the fold until the start of March.

Otherwise, Veljko Paunovic has a clean bill of health going into the match and no concerns regarding suspensions.

Injured: George Puscas

Suspended: None

Unavailable: None

Stoke City vs Reading Predicted XI

Stoke City (4-3-3): Josef Bursik; Nathan Collins, Harry Souttar, James Chester, Rhys Norrington-Davies; Joe Allen, John Obi Mikel, Sam Clucas; Jack Clarke, Nick Powell, James McClean.

Reading (4-2-3-1): Rafael Cabral; Thomas Holmes, Michael Morrison, Tom McIntyre, Omar Richards; Andy Rinomhota, Josh Laurent; Michael Olise, John Swift, Ovie Ejaria; Lucas Joao.