READING FC will hope to get their form back on track when they host struggling West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The Royals had the chance to soar to the top of the Championship on Friday night against Queens Park Rangers.
Despite going ahead after Andy Carroll’s penalty, two goals from Lyndon Dykes ensured that QPR took the points which saw Reading drop down to fifth in the Championship table.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents have had a shocking start to the season and are currently in the relegation places after 13 matches.
With increasing pressure building with disappointing results,West Brom sacked manager Steve Bruce on Monday with the club struggling in 22nd position
With an already talented squad, West Brom added more quality in the summer with the arrivals of Jed Wallace, Okay Yokusulu, Martin Kelly and John Swift on a free transfer from Reading.
Swift spent six seasons with the Royals and scored 31 Championship goals in 187 appearances after becoming a pivotal figure in the team throughout his stay.
After his contract with Reading expired, Swift opted to join West Brom this summer.
Swift has netted two goals so far this season for the Baggies in 13 games, but it has been a faltering star for the team.
They are currently on 11 points in 22ne place and have won just one league game all season.
Their only league win of the season came in August with a 5-2 victory over Hull City, but they haven’t picked up three points since which has seen Bruce and the team come under criticism .
They have drawn more games than any other side in the division (eight) as their winless run stretched to eight games on Saturday after their goalless draw at home to Luton Town.
Their poor run of form has seen them lose in a Midlands derby at home to Birmingham City and they lost by the same scoreline, 3-2, at home to Swansea City.
West Brom won on their last visit to Berkshire with a 1-0 win in April 2022 after Karlan Grant scored the only goal of the game in the 78th minute.
Paul Ince’s team have most of their squad available for Saturday’s clash after club captain Andy Yiadom returned to action in the Friday night defeat to QPR.
However, they are expected to be without Sam Hutchinson after he was withdrawn on Friday with a calf injury.
Baba Rahman is still out on the sidelines, while Shane Long is close to returning to full fitness but is not expected to be involved for Saturday’s game.
