A quick glance at the current Championship table reveals Saturday's game is a big opportunity to move ahead of a play-off rival. Barnsley are four points outside the play-off positions, but a Reading victory would pull Reading a huge 14 points clear of the Tykes. It's getting to the stage of the season where victories over teams like Barnsley become a huge step towards securing a top six finish at the end of the season. If things go according to plan then Reading could be looking more likely to to finish in the top six than not, giving us a huge chance to chase that unexpected promotion. A Reading win will see fans looking out for results of the top two; Brighton are at home to Burton and league leaders Newcastle United travel to Wolves. The top two will be expected to pick up further wins there.
Barnsley had gained ground on the top six until picking up just a single point from their last two games. Their last game was a 0-0 home draw against Preston North End, and before that they suffered a hugely disappointing 1-3 home defeat to Championship strugglers Wolves. Any points at Reading would be a big result for them as they look to stay in touch. Reading are of course in great form, with last weekend's 2-2 away draw at Ipswich following on from three straight victories. Earlier this season we were 2-1 winners away at Barnsley with McCleary and Swift both scoring inside the opening half an hour.
As revealed in the week, Paul McShane and Joey van den Berg are expected to miss the home games against Barnsley and Brentford (Tuesday night). The Royals will also still be without Stephen Quinn and Deniss Rakels who are also on the verge of returning to first team action - if they can find a place in the side with competition for places hotter than ever at the club. Visitors Barnsley find themselves without midfielder Alex Mowatt who will be out suspended.
Recent Meetings With Barnsley
| DATE | COMPETITION | OPPOSITION | SCORE | REPORT |
| 17 September 2016 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | W: 2-1 | Read report... |
| 25 March 2014 | Championship | Barnsley (HOME) | L: 1-3 | Read report... |
| 01 October 2013 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | D: 1-1 | Read report... |
| 17 March 2012 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | W: 4-0 | Read report... |
| 20 August 2011 | Championship | Barnsley (HOME) | L: 1-2 | Read report... |
| 19 March 2011 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | W: 1-0 | Read report... |
| 25 September 2010 | Championship | Barnsley (HOME) | W: 3-0 | Read report... |
| 30 January 2010 | Championship | Barnsley (HOME) | W: 1-0 | Read report... |
| 29 August 2009 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | W: 3-1 | Read report... |
| 25 August 2009 | League Cup | Barnsley (HOME) | L: 1-2 | Read report... |
| 18 April 2009 | Championship | Barnsley (HOME) | D: 0-0 | Read report... |
| 06 December 2008 | Championship | Barnsley (Away) | W: 1-0 | Read report... |
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