There is plenty of change at the Madejski Stadium as Reading's summer overhaul is in full swing.

New manager Jaap Stam has pre-season to secure his targets, meet his players and get his side ready for the opening fixture - at home to Preston.

Reading have a big season ahead and they are so unpredictable that literally anything could happen.

Whilst some optimistic factions of Reading fans are anticipating a season of competing for promotion, there are also those at the other end of the spectrum who are dreading a relegation battle.

The Jaap Stam experiment could go either way.

Their new foreign signings could prove to be a revelation or a disaster.

Uncertain times lie ahead at Reading but they just need to retain the core, recruit wisely and start the season brightly. That's why it is imperative that Stam gets his team right on the opening day.

Here is a possible starting XI for that first game.....

GK: Ali Al Habsi

The starting goalkeeper spot goes to Ali Al Habsi ahead of Jonathan Bond here.

The former Bolton and Wigan stopper was a regular last year after joining on a free.

The 34-year-old is a giant and can really control his box despite being occasionally caught out with a handling error.

The Oman international - who has in excess of 100 national appearances - should start the first game with Bond still developing his game.

RB: Niall Keown

It looks like Chris Gunter is on his way out - especially after an impressive Euro 2016 campaign.

This won't upset Reading fans too much and they might finally be able to see the promising Niall Keown.

The 21-year-old is Martin Keown's son and is highly rated by the club.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 right back could be given his chance to impress in the opening game.

CB: Jake Cooper

England under-20 international Jake Cooper has been subject to plenty of Premier League interest, but probably needs at least another year in the second tier before making the step up.

The 21-year-old had an impressive breakthrough season last year and will retain his starting spot if he stays.

The 6'4'' centre half is a threat from set pieces too.

CB: Paul McShane

Experienced centre back Paul McShane is a perfect partner for the young, learning Cooper.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Reading on a free from Hull last summer and has made 35 league appearances since.

The 30-year-old is an unspectacular yet effective defender and a leader at the back.

LB: Jordan Obita

Flying wing back Jordan Obita already has amassed over 100 league appearances for the Royals even though he's only 22.

The former England youth international is an attack-minded full back with a great delivery.

He is expected to stay at Reading this year, with his contract running until 2018 and should start at left back against Preston.

CM: Danzell Gravenberch

Reading's latest signing Danzell Gravenberch is comfortable at centre back but he plays in central midfield here.

He is rated highly by the Director of Football but comes from the Dutch second division so is a bit of an unknown quantity.

The 22-year-old could fill the void left in central midfield if the imminent departures of Danny Williams, Oliver Norwood and Aaron Tshibola are confirmed.

CM: Joey van den Berg

Partnering Gravenberch in a new look midfield is fellow Dutchman Joey van den Berg.

The Heerenveen central midfielder is one of Reading's top targets at the moment with a deal looking close.

The new Dutch midfield might be preferred in the opening game by Stam so 30-year-old van den Berg could make his debut against Preston.

RM: Tarique Fosu

Tarique Fosu spent the last part of the season on loan at Accrington Stanley and was impressive by all accounts.

The 20-year-old wide man stirred up excitement with attacking football down the wing and contributed 3 goals in his 8 games with Stanley.

Perhaps this is the year he gets his first team chance and might be gambled on in the first game.

CAM: Tom Rogic

Australian international attacking midfielder Tom Rogic has been linked with a move to Reading and this would be a real coup for the Championship side.

Rogic is currently at Celtic and has turned in some very impressive displays in the SPL.

The 23-year-old offers creativity in the final third as well as goals from midfield.