Reading vs AFC Bournemouth preview - Clarke could shuffle pack

Reading boss Steve Clarke could ring the changes for the home game against leaders Bournemouth.

Clarke will have one eye on Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal and might opt to protect some of his key players.

Winger Jordan Obita was rested against Blackburn at the weekend as he was one booking away from a suspension which would have ruled him out at Wembley while midfielder Danny Williams and striker Simon Cox sat out with knocks.

Fit-again captain Jem Karacan (knee) made his first start in 18 months in the draw against Rovers and could be involved again but Jure Travner (groin) and Anton Ferdinand (calf) are still sidelined.

Bournemouth will assess the fitness of winger Matt Ritchie ahead of the trip.

The former Swindon man suffered a cut to his shin in Friday's 2-0 win over Brighton and is rated as a doubt by boss Eddie Howe as his Cherries look to cement their spot at the top of the Football League.

Marc Pugh returned from action in that televised away win despite having barely trained but he is likely to be involved once more along with Callum Wilson who started and scored having shaken off his foot injury.

Howe is keen to play down his side's favourites tag as they move into the final four matches of their campaign.