Wolves vs Reading: Royals present opportunity to get back on track

Six points above the drop zone with 10 games to go, it is a far cry from last season for Jaap Stam’s side.

They were in the play-off final less than a year ago. Now, they are on a seven-game winless run.

Stam is seemingly under more pressure outside the club than from within – fans have turned on him for being too stubborn, failing to take blame for losses.

There have been a number of grumblings during and after games too at the Madejski Stadium as of late, which has seen the atmosphere turn quite toxic.

In that respect, the Dutchman can be considered fortunate to still be in a job as plenty of other managers have been sacked for far less.

The players are believed to enjoy working under the ex-Manchester United stopper, though, so he is unlikely to be given the boot – unless they do go down.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Dave Edwards are two men Wolves fans will know well, but will they feature? Bodvarsson has been rather hit and miss at the Madejski, but Royals fans like him – having chipped in with some important goals.

His most eye-catching display came in the FA Cup replay win over Stevenage where he bagged a hat-trick. He scored in the 2-2 draw with Leeds at the weekend too.

Edwards has failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the midfield.

The Welshman has had some good games but others where he has gone missing.

His battling qualities could be key in this crucial end to the season, though. Reading are expected to come over to Molineux and set up rather defensively, aiming to frustrate Wolves and hit them on the counter.

Injuries mean Stam is restricted in his team selection.

Experienced defenders Tommy Elphick and Paul McShane are out, while attack-minded pair Joseph Mendes and Callum Harriott are also struggling.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side should win this one but, with the Royals still fearing the drop, they will have to be fully at the races to do so.