Bristol City are still without Evander Sno, Marvin Elliott and Jamie McCombe, while on-loan striker Patrick Agyemang is doubtful with a groin problem.
But the Robins are boosted by the return of defender Jamie McAllister following a calf strain.
MATCH PREVIEW
Bristol City bounced back from a 5-2 hammering at home to Doncaster last weekend by winning at Crystal Palace - a victory they hope will signal a change in their fortunes.
Johnson wary of Reading's attacking form
Reading have won their last two league matches, scoring nine goals in the process, and recently these sides have looked like teams heading in opposite directions.
The Royals are not safe from the drop yet, but they have been climbing the table steadily and a win on Saturday would take them to within one point of Gary Johnson's men.
Not that Johnson is feeling the pressure. He greeted the win at Palace by declaring: "Our club is not bad at coming back from adversity."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 80th league meeting of these clubs. City have won 33 of the previous 79 and Reading 29, with 17 drawn.
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• City have won on two of their last three visits to the Madejski Stadium.
Reading
• Reading have won six of their last seven league games and are top of the Championship's 'form table.'
• They have won four consecutive home matches, but only struggling Plymouth have won fewer home games this season than the Royals.
• The Berkshire club boast the second best disciplinary record in the division. Their 40 cards (four red, 36 yellow), is bettered only by Doncaster (35 cards).
• Jay Tabb is standing by to make his 250th career league appearance.
Bristol City
• The midweek 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was Bristol City's second victory in 10 league outings.
• City have won 10 and lost 10 league matches this season.
• They have conceded more own goals than any other club in the division (four) and have conceded 10 league goals in injury time.
• Two more goals for Chris Iwelumo will take him to the milestone of 100 club career goals.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Bristol City 1-1 Reading (19 December 2009)
Bristol City scorer: Hartley (pen) 13.
Reading scorer: Church 90.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport