David Prutton delivers score prediction for 'tricky' Middlesbrough clash vs Reading

Neil Warnock's men ended a run of five Championship matches without a win by beating Huddersfield Town in midweek, but find themselves six points off the play-offs after their recent slump.

For their part, the Royals ended a winless streak of three games with victory against Bristol City on Tuesday evening, and are currently sitting fifth in the table, six points off an automatic promotion spot.

But while both sides have endured shaky spells of late, Prutton believes that Reading will have just enough to see themselves over the line this weekend.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “It was a good win for Reading in midweek, even against a struggling Bristol City side.

"It takes them back up towards where they want to be, and once again bolstered their play-off ambitions. They look like they will last the course.

“Even after a good result in midweek to end what had been a poor run, this is a tricky game for Middlesbrough.

"They have a good recent record against Reading, but I think the Royals will just edge it.”

Prutton predicts a 2-1 Reading win.

The two sides played out a 0-0 stalemate when they met at the Riverside earlier this season, but Boro generally boast an impressive record against the Royals.

Prior to that draw, the Teessiders had won their last seven meetings against Reading – a run that stretched back to April 2016.