Are the wheels coming off for Reading this season? Their recent form has been questionable for a team chasing play-off glory.

The Royals were expected to struggle in mid-table at best this year, but have found themselves in the dizzy heights of fifth, following a stunning revolution from Jaap Stam.

Their recent form has been questionable, however, especially against the teams around them, losing to Huddersfield, Brighton and Preston North End in the last 10 games, although they did pick up a point vs Newcastle.

They still have Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds in their next two games, and will have to do something to change their fortune against the clubs around them, especially if they want to go up via the play offs.

Here are TWO players that need to be axed from Reading's starting eleven if they want to consolidate their play-off spot, and have a shot at promotion to the Premier League....

 

Chris Gunter

A large part of Reading's fan base have been critical of the right back for a long time now, but others are beginning to turn on the Welshman following a series of extremely disappointing performances recently.

Part of this may be the lack of pressure on Gunter for his spot in the team, with Reading's next option at right back the young Tennai Watson, who has only ever made two league appearances for the club.

Gunter needs to be slashed from the side, however, as his lack of ability going forward and his complete lack of commitment and defensive skill at the back is hurting Reading at the moment.

Tyler Blackett

Whether at left back or centre back, former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett seems completely incompetent and mistake prone at the back.

He's often preferred to Jordan Obita at left full back and, frankly, has not put in a good performance in the position this season, not nearly mobile or defensively capable enough to play there.

He is a better centre back, but not nearly good enough for a team chasing the play offs, demonstrated by a number of horrific mistakes against Preston over the weekend. Drop. Him. Now.

Reading fans... Do you agree with this? Should these players be dropped? Let us know in the comments below!