Former England striker Michael Owen has issued his prediction on Reading's FA Cup clash with Sheffield United this week, suggesting the Blades will win 2-1 on Tuesday night.
The Royals welcome Chris Wilder's side to the Madejski Stadium for the FA Cup Fifth Round tie after beating Cardiff City on penalties in the previous round.
Their form since then has been very up and down, with Mark Bowen's side having won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six.
Reading sit 16th in the Championship, eight points above the relegation zone, and face a Sheffield United side that have had a phenomenal season so far.
The Blades were promoted to the Premier League last season and have been hugely impressive since returning to the top flight.
Wilder's men are eighth in the table and have a real chance of qualifying for European football if they can end this campaign with a flourish.
Writing for Bet Victor, Owen has suggested they will be too strong for the Royals on Tuesday and predicted a 2-1 win for the Premier League side.
He said: "Mark Bowen’s Reading side seem to have settled into mid-table obscurity in the Championship this season, so they’ll be buoyed by a good cup run that saw them win a thrilling shootout against Cardiff in the last round.
"Sheffield United have continued to confound expectations with their league form taking them within touching distance of the Champions League spots.
"Owing to the Blades’ league position, there is a chance the Cup might not be their highest priority, so a convincing win against a hungry Reading side won’t be easy to come by. However, I fancy that they’ll just about get the job done against a spirited Reading."
Think you know Reading? Take our quiz to test yourself!
The Verdict
It's hard to disagree with what Owen has to say here.
Reading's victory over Barnsley on the weekend has given them some breathing space above the relegation battle, so you feel they will be looking to put everything in to make sure they can extend their cup run.
The Blades are still in with a shout of securing European football next year, so the league will surely be their top priority.
This one might come down to which Reading side show up on Tuesday evening. Bowen's side have been very inconsistent this season but could cause some problems if they're at their best.