There are several high-profile games at the top end of the Championship this weekend, but there is also a pretty important scrap down the bottom of it, too.

Reading head east to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town in a battle between two struggling sides.

Jose Gomes’ Royals are in 21st position as it stands and know a win this weekend could move them further away from the drop zone.

Paul Lambert’s men, meanwhile, are nine points adrift and need to win to have any hope of a miracle occurring and them staying in the second tier.

Reading have lost just once in their last six matches, but have drawn four of them – better form would have seen them increase the gap over their relegation rivals.

Ipswich have no wins in their last seven games – and one win in their previous ten, losing six times.

It is a basement battle that will have repercussions whatever the result with both sides desperate to earn those three precious points.

Ahead of the game, Sky Sports moved to get the thoughts of David Prutton on the outcome of this particular contest.

The EFL presenter said: “If Ipswich are to have any hope whatsoever of a run to survival then this is an absolute must-win game for them.

“They are nine points behind Reading in 21st, and if that gap gets any bigger, then it is pretty much curtains for them.

“Jose Gomes was clearly frustrated with his side's failure to hold on for the victory against Rotherham last week, but they need to forget that and focus on this match at Portman Road.

“This will be a nervy affair, but I reckon Ipswich could sneak it and keep their hopes alive, 1-0.”

The verdict

There are big games all over the Championship this weekend at the top and at the bottom with Reading’s trip to Ipswich.

Reading need the three points to stay out of the bottom three and push further away from the dreaded drop zone.

Lambert’s boys, meanwhile, are all but down but a win could increase their slim survival hopes slightly.

Should they lose, it could well be curtains – and I don’t think they will.

Contrary to Prutton’s prediction, I am going for a Reading win.