Reading v Preston predictions: Royals' ascent is set to resume

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Reading v Preston North End in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Football, 8pm Friday

Best bet

Reading
1pt 6-4 Betfred

Team news

Reading
Mamadou Loum is available after completing a one-match ban but Liam Moore lacks match fitness and Tom McIntyre is a doubt after missing Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Luton.

Preston
Troy Parrott will not be available until after the World Cup and Ben Whiteman is unlikely to feature.

Match preview

Reading have taken 19 points from nine home games this season and that excellent record has helped them stay in touch with the Championship promotion race. And there could be further joy for Paul Ince's side when they take on Preston.

Ince picked up the Reading reins in February, initially on an interim basis, and can be pleased with his work.

He steered the club to safety and has raised performance levels this season despite working within a tight budget.

Ince focused on loans and free transfers but has assembled a decent team who have been in the top half since mid-August.

Reading had a shaky October, taking seven points from seven games, but impressed in Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Luton.

The Royals were largely dominant at Kenilworth Road and they have decent options to freshen up the side with midfielder Mamadou Loum back from suspension and seasoned strikers Shane Long and Lucas Joao pushing for recalls.

Ince's side should be able to go again and they may have more energy than Preston, who worked hard for a 1-0 success at home to Swansea on Tuesday.

Preston profited from a defensive error when Brad Potts struck the decisive blow against Swansea but they had to defend for long periods and were restricted to a 28 per cent share of possession.

Ryan Lowe's men have won back-to-back league games for only the second time this season and sit just outside the playoff places. But they could have done without a third game in seven days and may struggle to avoid defeat.

Key stat

Reading have won six of nine home league games this season

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