Martin back in Reading FC squad for key Sheffield United game

Reading striker Chris Martin with assistant boss Andries Ulderink. Credit: Eddie Greville

Chris Martin will return to the Reading FC squad for the visit of Sheffield United on Tuesday evening.

The striker missed the 3-3 draw with Derby County at the weekend due to the terms of his loan deal from Rams.

The return of Martin presents boss Jaap Stam with an intriguing striking conundrum.

The Dutchman must decide whether to stick with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson leading the line for Royals following his goal against Derby or opt for a Martin return.

Reading head into the game in 18th spot in the Championship table and can move up a place above Sheffield Wednesday with a victory which would also seem them pull seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, can return to the play-off places with a victory at Madejski Stadium.

Here is the full lowdown on the game.

When and where

The match takes place at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, February 27.

Kick-off is at 8pm.

How to follow the game live

getreading will be providing live updates of the game on Twitter. Make sure you follow @getreadingfc for the latest news as well as Jonathan Low's account @jonathanl50.

And keep an eye on the getreadingfc Facebook page for news and pictures, including a fan gallery.

Is it on TV?

The game is not being televised, but you can follow Jonathan's commentary on Twitter and listen on BBC Radio Berkshire.

Team news

Reading: Chris Martin will return to the squad after missing the draw with parent club Derby County.

Yann Kermorgant remains out with a calf injury while John Swift is likely to be on the subs' bench again as he works his way back to full fitness.

Paul McShane (hamstring), Tommy Elphick (knee), Joseph Mendes (knee) and Callum Harriott (hamstring) are all out injured.

Reading midfielder John Swift has recovered from a hamstring injury. Credit: Eddie Greville

Sheffield United: David Brooks, Ricky Holmes and James Wilson will all be assessed by boss Chris Wilder as they recover from knocks.

John Lundstram and Mark Duffy could be handed starts but Kieron Freeman and Paul Coutts are both long-term absentees.

Manager views

Jaap Stam: "They are a very good team with a lot of energy and quality in their squad.

"They give everything in the first 20/25 minutes to make it difficult for the opposition and they play a different system to us.

"We need to see how we can make it difficult for them so we can get the points."

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. Credit: Getty Images

Chris Wilder: "I cannot put my finger on what went wrong at Hull City on Friday night (1-0 defeat).

"So I have to decide do I make changes or do I go the same again and ask those responsible to put it right."

Head-to-head

Reading edge the meetings between the two clubs - but only by the one win. Royals have beaten the Blades on 17 occasions, losing 16 times and drawing seven games.

The reverse fixture saw United run out 2-1 winners at Brammall Lane back in October but the last time the teams met at Madejski Stadium was for FA Cup game in 2013.

Royals lost to the Blades 2-1 earlier in the season. Credit: Eddie Greville

Reading won that thanks to a brace from Noel Hunt and strikes by Mikele Leigertwood and Garath McCleary.

Officials

Referee: Andy Davies

Assistant referees: Daniel Leach and Timothy Wood

Fourth official: Keith Stroud

Other Championship fixtures

Hull City v Barnsley (7.45pm).

Don't forget to keep an eye out on our social media pages for more Royals news.

Our Twitter page is @getreadingfc and we are also on Facebook: Reading FC - Get Reading.