If the Royals can have a successful season and keep Meite and Lucas Joao fit for the vast majority of the 2022/23 season, they have a great chance of staying in the division.

The Verdict

Depending on summer transfer business, Bristol City and Birmingham City, along with Reading, look like clubs heading towards difficult 2022/23 campaigns, and if the Royals can avoid another points deduction, they have the individual quality to trump the duo.

Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic look well set to give the second tier a good crack next season, with the Millers, in particular, knowing exactly what they are up against under Paul Warne.

Wycombe Wanderers winning promotion over Sunderland in the third tier play-off final would be far less menacing for a club like Reading who are going to be looking over their shoulders until the financial constraints are lifted.