The best combined Reading FC and QPR XI

In 2013, both Reading and QPR were relegated to the Football League after a 0-0 draw with each other, and since then, there has been a massive change at both clubs.

Just before this season started, a vast array of long-serving players made their departure from Reading, while QPR have recently just fired their manager, Chris Ramsey.

This season, Reading are definitely pushing for that play-off position, but they will find it hard, with opposition such as Burnley, Brighton, Middlesbrough and Derby also fighting for those positions.

We would like to assume that QPR were also going for a play-off place, however, so far they have been well under-par.

This has been outlined by the recent departure of head coach, Chris Ramsey.

Here, in the opinion of FLW's Jack Smillie, is the best combined XI from Reading and QPR!

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE COMBINED XI!

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GK: Ali Al-Habsi (Reading)

Reading have conceded, on average, only one goal a game this season. This has been largely down to Al-Habsi's superb shot-stopping and positioning.

QPR have had some defensive struggles lately, conceding 24 goals in 15 games. While this isn't down to just the goalkeeper, Rob Green is probably past his peak and hasn't looked particularly sharp this season.

LB: Jordan Obita (Reading)

Obita is one of Reading's finest young talents, and it will be no surprise to see him plying his trade in the Premier League very soon.

Excellent positioning combined with pace makes him the perfect left-back, and is adept both offensively and defensively.

CB: Paul McShane (Reading)

McShane, 29, is an experienced Republic of Ireland International defender.

He started life at Manchester United in 2002, but has played for other clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Hull City and Crystal Palace.

McShane has played in every league game this season for The Royals.

With a good disciplinary record, McShane has not picked up a single yellow or red card this season. He has certainly anchored the Reading defence well so far this year.

CB: Nedum Onuoha (QPR)

Onuoha, 28, a leader of men.

The QPR captain and has spent a large part of his career at Manchester City, and Onuoha has gone on to appear in all of QPR's league games this season and has marshalled the back four.

Onuoha, known as a tall, towering defender, at 6ft 2in, Onuoha is a versatile player; he can also play at left-back or right-back.

It's fair to say that without Onuoha, QPR would be in a much worse position than they are currently, this season.

RB: Chris Gunter (Reading)

Gunter, 26, has been ever-present for Reading so far this season, featuring in all of their league matches.

Known for his attacking capabilities; he has offered Reading a good supply from right full-back position.

The Welsh international has only conceded four fouls all season, and has remained free of a red card.

LM: Matt Phillips (QPR)

On 23 August 2013, Phillips, 24, signed for Queens Park Rangers on a four-year deal.

Phillips is currently QPR's number 7, and is undoubtedly one of the club's most prized assets.

Phillips has scored four goals this year and his quick runs down the left flank have come to good use often this season, despite QPR not managing to win many games.

The ex-Blackpool winger is still young and has over a decade still left in him. Watch this space.

CM: Oliver Norwood (Reading)

Norwood, 24, started life at Manchester United, at the age of seven, never made an appearance there, so joined Huddersfield Town in 2012.

In 2014, he signed for Reading.

He has the joint-second highest amount of assists by a Reading player this season.

His ball retention style of play has massively helped out Reading so far this season, and he will be one of the Royals' key players this season in their hopes for promotion.

CM: Tjaronn Chery (QPR)

Chery, 27, is a Dutch attacking midfielder and has scored four goals this season, the third highest amount by a QPR player, and the joint-highest amount of assists: 3.

He is already a key player for QPR when going forwards and possesses a good amount of skill.

At just 5ft 7in, Chery relies on his skill, agility, flair and dribbling to be successful, and we've certainly seen lots of that so far this season.

RM: Garath McCleary (Reading)

The Jamaican international is one of the best wide midfielders in the league on his day, and can terrorise opposition defenders.

Royals boss Steve Clarke has not utilised him as much as perhaps McCleary would have liked this season - but there is no denying the former Nottingham Forest winger is a superb player, full of pace and ability.

ST: Charlie Austin (QPR)

Charlie Austin has today joined Southampton

Charlie Austin, 26, started life as a member of the Reading youth academy, before playing for Kintbury Rangers, in the 11th tier of the Football Association pyramid.

Since then, Austin has risen up the leagues and has Premier League experience, as well as being called up to the English national team during the 2014/15 season.

Currently, Austin, a natural prolific goalscorer, is the joint seventh top goalscorer in this year's Sky Bet Championship, with seven goals. He has looked promising and even offered hope when results didn't QPR's way.