This weekend sees Reading and Barnsley clash at the Madejski stadium in a match that both sides will be looking to win.

The Royals were comfortably beaten by Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night to move to within just five points of the relegation zone and the Tykes, who currently sit second-bottom, could move to within five themselves with a win.

Gerhard Struber's men beat Hull City on Wednesday and will be looking to make it two wins on the bounce as they strive to cause an upset by avoiding relegation, having looked cut adrift at the end of 2019.

The previous tie ended in a 1-1 draw in the middle of December with Lucas Joao striking a 78th minute equaliser after Cauley Woodrow had edged the hosts in front.

Here, however, we take a look at TWO ways the Royals can hurt Barnsley this weekend...

Beat the press

QUIZ: Can you identify these 15 Reading players purely based on their date of birth and birthplace?

A large part of Barnsley's game plan this season has been based around a high energy press, which has proved effective in the past - particularly against Fulham a few weeks ago.

However, if Reading can find a way past this press with quick, brave and incisive passing, they will have a great chance of harming their opponents.

If they dwell on the ball too long at the back, as Fulham did, they will play right into their hands.

Doubling up

Barnsley have set-up with a narrow diamond structure since Struber arrived and whilst it has its benefits for him, it does have drawbacks as well.

One of those being how exposed it leaves the full-backs. With the likes of Yakou Meite and Ovie Ejaria in their ranks, this is an avenue where the Royals could have a lot of success.

And that success could be multiplied if Omar Richards and Andy Yiadom bomb forwards as well, outnumbering their defender.