Reading FC manager Paul Ince believes that the Royals’ away trip to Burnley will be their toughest match of the season.
The Clarets go into the tie top of the Championship having lost just one league match all season under new boss Vicent Kompnay who was appointed in the summer.
“They’re a good side, play a lot of possession based football and have only lost one all season,” said Ince.
“We’ve been here before when we went to Bournemouth last season and we weren’t expected to get anything and we did.
“In the Championship everything seems to be on the day, who can be the best on the day and that’s why results have been so weird.
“It’s our toughest game probably all season but we will go there full of confidence.
“It’s great to see him (Vincent Kompany) doing well and his style of football is really good. You can see them trying to play the Pep (Guardiola) way so we don’t expect to have much possession.”
Despite the daunting task of facing the league leaders, Ince is confident that his team can play without pressure as they begin a run of three matches in six days for the second time this month.
Ince continued: “We have to be patient. Hopefully they have an off day and we have a very good day.
“We’re not expected to win so there’s no pressure on us. We can relax and try and play our football.
“We need to get the selection right. We will see where we are on November 12, then go away for some warm weather training.”
With injury problems at the back, Ince is hoping to have Sam Hutchinson back available soon.
“Sam is one of those people who will always say they’re ready because he’s a warrior and just wants to be part of it.
“He knows we’ve got issues and centre half and wants to be part of what’s going on. I love his endeavour and enthusiasm.
“He’s a leader and an organiser. He will probably be back for Friday against Preston, hopefully
“The skipper (Andy Yiadom) is back and we’ve got a decision to make. It’s tough when you win games because sometimes you want to keep the same team.”