Reading FC squad changes for crucial Burton Albion clash and everything else you need to know

Reading FC boss Jaap Stam. Credit: Eddie Greville

Jaap Stam is expected to make several changes to his starting XI for Tuesday night's crucial Championship clash at Burton Albion.

The Reading FC boss is in desperate need of a win to edge away from the relegation zone.

New signing Tommy Elphick is likely to make his debut, while Vito Mannone, Mo Barrow and Sone Aluko should return to the team following Friday night's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Omar Richards has a chance of being back on the bench following a hamstring strain, although John Swift and Paul McShane will both miss the game.

Only five points and six places separate 18th-placed Reading and bottom-of-the-table Burton so both teams will know the fixture is crucial to their survival chances.

Here is the full lowdown on the game.

When and where

The match takes place at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday, January 30.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

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

Burton Albion: Boss Nigel Clough is sweating on the fitness of key pair Ben Turner and Kyle MacFadzean.

Liam Boyce is recovering from a knee problem and won't be involved. Striker Darren Bent should make his debut following a loan switch from Derby County.

Reading's Omar Richards. Credit: Eddie Greville

Reading: Defender Tommy Elphick is in line for a first start following a loan move from Aston Villa.

John Swift, Paul McShane, Joseph Mendes, Callum Harriott and Stephen Quinn are all out injured but Omar Richards could be back in the matchday squad after a hamstring strain.

Managers' views

Nigel Clough: "We will do a refresh on Reading, but they pretty much play the same and I don’t think they will change.

"Because it’s only a few weeks ago that we played there, it helps and we are getting to the stage where we have to get a result at home.

"When you play Reading the main challenge you have is when to press and when not to. If you press and you are not all together the quality they have will cut around you. They can get out very quickly."

Jaap Stam: "It's a massive game for us. We know it's not going to be easy, but it is a very, very big game.

"Burton need the points as much as we do and we know how they'll set up with their pitch and their homes fans behind them.

"The players need to keep on going, press forward and stick to the system, communicate to get things done."

Reverse fixture

A freak goal late in the game gave the Brewers a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Madejski Stadium back in December.

Tom Flanagan's goal had opened the scoring for Burton, only for Mo Barrow to draw Reading level midway through the second goal.

Burton celebrate in the reverse fixture. Credit: Eddie Greville

However, Tom Naylor's goal - which came after several richochets and a mis-cued clearance from Liam Moore - was enough to secure all three points for Clough's side.

Officials

Referee: Robert Jones

Assistant referees: Mark Russell and Adam Matthews

Fourth official: Andy Woolmer