Reading manager Brian McDermott will be hoping that his side can follow up Tuesday night's outstanding comeback against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup with a win against a Sheffield Wednesday side gathering momentum in their pursuit of automatic promotion. 

Under-fire striker Matej Vydra grabbed his first ever professional hat-trick in the Royals' 5-2 win over the Terriers, and McDermott will be hoping his side can push on and pick up all three points as they aim to get their faltering season back on track.

The feeling amongst the Reading faithful will mainly be that a defeat here at home could put a fork in their season, if that hasn't happened already.

Sheffield Wednesday meanwhile can climb a place above Brighton and Hove Albion into fifth, after an excellent run has seen the Owls win five of their last six games.

All signs point towards an entertaining spectacle at the Madejski Stadium, so FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies three things to look out for in this afternoon's encounter...

1) Matej Vydra

In a previous Championship campaign with Watford, Vydra picked up the Championship Player of the Year award, but the Czech striker has found goals hard to come by with Reading.

His hat-trick against Huddersfield could be exactly what he needs to get his confidence back, and show the form that has meant he is so highly-rated among neutral Championship fans.

If he carries that form into this game, Reading could well see themselves pick up all three points.

2) Fernando Forestieri

This game could very much be a battle of the strikers, and there are few more clinical than Italian striker Fernando Forestieri.

The Owls' striker is now the third top scorer in the Championship, and his pace and agility can make him nearly impossible for opposition defences to stop.

If Reading catch him on form, they could be in for a long afternoon.

3) Home atmosphere

The atmosphere among the Reading fans after Huddersfield scored their second goal to make it 2-0 in Tuesday's FA Cup replay could only be described as deflated, and if the Royals drop behind early once more here, the atmosphere could become toxic, with Reading fans fed up of seeing their side fail to put away chances.

Staying in high spirits will be key if the Royals are to pick anything up from this game.

Reading and Sheffield Wednesday fans... what do you think the score will be? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!