Posh host Royals in crucial Championship clash tonight...

There’s an important fixture at the bottom of the Championship table this evening as Peterborough host Reading. Both teams have been struggling this season with Derby County and Barnsley also fighting it out to avoid the drop.

Reading, in particular, are on a rotten run. The Royals haven’t won a game since the 27th of November when they defeated Swansea City 3-2. Since then, Reading have lost nine out of their last ten games in all competitions – including elimination from the FA Cup by Kidderminster.

There are a few glimmers of hope for Reading though. John Swift has the most assists in the Championship this season with 11 while Tom Ince has been lively since he arrived at ‘the Mad Stad’ and could be the spark the Berkshire club needs. Brandon Barker – who recently joined the club after leaving Rangers – could also make his debut for the club and add some much-needed firepower.

©Getty / Ryan Pierse

Meanwhile, Paunovic’s opposite number has been given assurances that he’ll be in a job even if Peterborough are relegated. Club co-owner Jason Neale taking to Twitter to say “nobody is sacking Darren Ferguson. He will be here next season regardless of the outcome of this season. Let’s not forget we were promoted nine months ago. Let’s stay positive.”

Peterborough are at least winning more points than Reading right now, although still with just one league win in 2022. Although the Posh did manage to eliminate Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup to set up a daunting trip to the Etihad in March.

A win for Peterborough against Reading (although they lost the tie between the two earlier this season 3-1) would take them out of the drop zone and one point ahead of the Royals with a game in hand.

Considering how big the gap is between the bottom four and the rest, this could be an incredibly important fixture for the clubs who don’t want to be playing in League One next season.