Managerless Reading travel to face a Hull City side in fine form under Steve Bruce this evening, with the Royals battling to stay in the play-off race after a poor run of form. 

Martin Kuhl will take interim charge for the second time after Steve Clarke was sacked after a poor run of results that wielded just one win in eight games.

Many Reading fans were hoping to see Brian McDermott appointed well before Wednesday came around, but for whatever reason, the appointment is still yet to be confirmed by the club.

Youngster Josh Barrett was included in Saturday's game at Preston North End, and Orlando Sa wasn't even on the bench, implying he has picked up some sort of knock so could be out for this upcoming match as well.

Hull meanwhile have centre back pairing Michael Dawson and Alex Bruce on the sidelines, so will be forced into playing a weakened back line.

All signs are pointing towards a tight, cagey affair, which could easily be won by a single goal.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies three things to look out for in this evening's match...

1) Nick Blackman

The striker has found goals a little hard to come by recently, and could do with a goal to end his mini drought here at the KC Stadium.

Blackman is still Reading's most potent player when on the ball, and is always looking to run at defences at every opportunity.

He could pose a threat to Hull's makeshift back line this evening if given the chance.

2) Away support

If the Royals endure defeat in Hull, it will make it one win in nine in all competitions for the Berkshire side, which is nearer relegation form than promotion-chasing form.

Should they fall behind, the fans are likely to sense a defeat, and will lose confidence and support in the side.

With players insisting the atmosphere in the dressing room is unchanged, the away support must back their side to the end.

3) Hull's approach

Reading look like a team low on confidence at the moment, so it will be interesting to see whether Bruce sets his side up to take advantage of that and to go out an attack the Reading goal from the kick off.

If he does, he could catch Reading on the break and, with several key players out injured for the Royals, tear apart the visitors.

Hull and Reading fans... what do you think the score will be? Can Hull get the win to keep pace with the leaders? Or will Reading end a woeful run of form with victory? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!