Reading welcome Burnley to the Madejski Stadium this afternoon looking to improve on their recent run of form. 

The Royals have only won once in their last league eight games, and have really struggled against teams in the top half this season.

The Berkshire side are severely lacking in confidence and have gone through another underachieving season.

As they sit in 15th place, there are plenty of fans that will be frustrated with the side this year that have shown no progress from previous seasons.

They face a Burnley side that are unbeaten in their last six games, including impressive wins over fellow promotion contenders Hull City and Derby County.

Sean Dyche's target was to return immediately to the Premier League, and they are well on track to bounce straight back up into the top-flight after being relegated last season.

A win for the Clarets could see them go top of the Championship, assuming other results go their way.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Ashley Williams identifies three things to look out for in this afternoon's encounter...

1) Reading’s injury troubles

Many people would believe that Reading’s torrid run of form has boiled down to their long list of injuries in the squad.

The Berkshire side have concerns over Matej Vydra, Danny Williams and Hal Robson-Kanu for the home game this afternoon.

Striker Vydra and midfielder Williams are carrying hamstring injuries and winger Robson-Kanu is also a major doubt.

The sale of Nick Blackman at such a minimal price will cost them as they have not brought in any player that can be a suitable replacement for him.

Hopefully, new unknown signing Denis Rakels can show the English Football League what he is all about following an encouraging performance from the bench in last week's draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

2) Can anyone stop Burnley?

The Clarets are absolutely flying at the moment, winning five out of their last seven games, and they will be a real threat for Brian McDermott's Reading today.

They possess the best striker in the division in Andre Gray, who has netted two goals in his last three games, and 16 goals in all competitions so far this season.

The top two sides are beginning to stutter and Burnley will be looking to take advantage of that and stake their intent on bringing the Championship title to Turf Moor at the end of May.

They will be hoping that they can begin their pursuit of the title starting with a victory over Reading this afternoon.

3) Tarkowski debut

New signing James Tarkowski will hope to be involved but faces a battle to oust either Michael Keane or Ben Mee at centre-back.

The former Brentford defender has not been included in the side since his arrival to Turf Moor, and is in competition with a resilient Burnley back four that have only conceded 26 goals this season – the third best record in the division.

Tarkowski has shown that he is a capable Championship defender with his former side Brentford, but needs to immediately shine if he is given a chance, and thus give Dyche something to think about with regards to team selection.

Reading and Burnley fans… Are you going to the game today? Can Reading break out of their winless streak? Will Burnley head top of the division this weekend? Let know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!