Reading FC welcome Premier League side Crystal Palace to the Madejski Stadium tonight live on BBC One from 7:30pm.
The two clubs will be looking to reach the semi-final of the competition, as it will be their only chance of some success this season.
Reading’s ambitions for the play-offs have floundered once again, but the Royals will be looking to replicate a last four place in the FA Cup from last year.
Crystal Palace have fallen off the rails in the past few months, as they are the only side in all four English divisions to have not recorded a win in 2016.
Alan Pardew’s side most likely route to European football next season will be through the FA Cup as they lie in 15th place in the Premier League.
This will be tough clash to call, as the Royals home form has been consistent and Palace will be looking to get back to their form from the start of the season.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies THREE things to look out for in the FA Cup tie…
1) Pardew’s frosty reception
The Crystal Palace manager is expected to receive a negative reception for tonight’s game after walking out of his managerial role in 2003 with Reading to take over at West Ham United.
Pardew lead Reading to the Championship during his reign in Berkshire and has revealed the pleasure he took from Brian McDermott’s recent return as Reading manager for a second spell in December.
While Pardew was in charge of Reading he appointed McDermott as chief scout and counts him as a close friend.
The Eagles boss has revealed this week that he asked another former Palace and Reading manager, Steve Coppell, to come in and inspire and advise his staff ahead of this game.
Coppell was invited to training during the week to offer his advice and perspective.
Pardew’s betrayal of the club seems to be still raw within the Reading fans, but will all be forgiven tonight?
2) Can Reading replicate a Wembley return?
The Royals are into the last eight of the FA Cup for the sixth time in their history, and the fourth time since 2010.
They made the semi-finals last season, and gave a good account of themselves after taking Arsenal to extra-time.
However they could not hold out Arsenal’s abundance of pressure of lost the semi-final tie.
Reading have already beaten Premier League opposition in the FA Cup this season, knocking out West Brom 3-1 in the last round.
McDermott will be encouraged that they haven't lost at home in the FA Cup since 2012, winning their last five in a row.
The supporters will have every confidence of knocking The Eagles out of the competition after their dismal form in 2016.
3) Royals key players return
Brian McDermott will be satisfied that he will have key players Paul McShane and Hal Robson-Kanu back in the squad for tonight’s game.
They were both rested in their 3-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town at the weekend, but they will be fresh and ready to face up against the Premier League side tonight.
The Welsh international has been a pivotal player for the Royals this season and always is an exciting prospect when he features.
Skipper McShane has formed a solid partnership at the back with Jake Cooper and has been a great signing for the club.
Reading fans…Can you reach the semi-final of the cup once again? What reception will you give Pardew? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!