Preston's Robbie Brady with a lovely cross from the near side toward the back post bounces toward Brad Potts who flies in with a karate kick, but he can't connect.

Best chance of the game so far. North End are growing into this game.

Mick Payne
England C goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Lancashire

Image source, PA Media

I think the two systems are cancelling each other out - it's null and void.

A nice move by Preston down the near side.

The ball threaded through midfield and crossed low into the box (it may have taken a little deflection) but it bounces into the path of the Reading defender Tom McIntyre who calmly heads it into the hands of Joe Lumley in goal.

That might be one of the most exciting moments so far. A deflected cross that amounted to nothing.

Not much happening in this one at the moment so it's the perfect time for me to share some stats that I wrote down on my pad earlier - in coloured pen in case you were wondering.

Reading have scored more goals at home this season finding the back of the net 13 times (seven times away).

Preston score more goals on the road netting nine away (five at home).

And the Royals concede fewer goals at home and North End have kept more clean sheets away.

Mick Payne
England C goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Lancashire

Preston have not been slick enough, they've been giving the ball away too cheaply.

It's been underwhelming. The only saving grace is they have looked quite solid defensively.

Image source, PA Media

The Reading striker Yakou Meite crashes to the turf after mistiming a header near the right edge of the box.

The big fella is winded but seems to be OK.

Reading's second corner of the game is headed away by Preston.

The ball rolls out for another corner on the far side.

The third in-swinger is whipped into the mixer and tossed around before it lands to Andy Carroll who attempts a volley from just outside the box, but sends it into orbit.

Reading looking the slightly better side at the moment.

Spare a thought for Preston defender Robbie Brady who just took the ball right in the, you know what.

He's back on his feet though. Walking a little gingerly after that.

The Reading fans are in full voice on this Friday night under the lights.

Both goalkeepers have got their hands on the ball early - which I always think is a good thing - but no real drama in either penalty box yet.

Image source, PA Media

Both sides with an equal amount of possession in these early stages.

They're just feeling each other out at the moment and trying to find those gaps to exploit going forward.

This game isn't the only domestic football in England this evening.

The first two matches in round one of the FA Cup are also both under way - with both Sheffield Wednesday v Morecambe and Hereford v Portsmouth goalless at the moment.

You can follow all the action - and watch Hereford v Portsmouth - on our dedicated live page.

Stephen Nisbet: If we can find some consistency maybe this could finally be our season? That table is still very open. We’re starting to stand out (in a bad way) for not having been in the Premier League.

Ryan Lowe certainly has Preston in the mix. Victory tonight would lift them into the play-off places.

Mick Payne
England C goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Lancashire

Confidence should be sky high in the Preston team after two good wins.

Can they make it three? I think they can. Reading are not in great form, so Preston need to start strongly and keep this crowd quiet.

Preston get us under way on a cool and dry night at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

They immediately hoof the ball to the near side and out of play for a Reading throw-in.

A nervous start from the visitors?

Image source, PA Media

Reading v Preston is just about to get under way in the Championship

Before kick-off, both sides and the fans in the stadium observe a minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day which is fast approaching.

A bugler blasts out the Last Post and animated poppies fall on the big screen.

The Select Car Leasing Stadium has become a bit of a fortress (or a refuge) for Reading so far this season. They've only lost twice at home.

Preston North End perform better away from home with more wins and more goals on the road.

If we delve into the archives it's the Royals who seem to have the upper hand on their travelling opponents.

They've won seven of their last nine league matches against North End - including both fixtures last season.

Image source, Getty Images

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"I think a lot of managers are thinking about the intensity of the schedule with games coming thick and fast.

"I have sleepless nights because we have a good squad but we don't have a massive squad. You have to make changes for the sake of making changes to prevent injuries.

"We played Tuesday and now we're playing Friday. We had to train, prepare and travel to Reading in those few days off.

"I know it's not just us - but it's a slog at the minute.

"Hopefully after the World Cup we will have a fully fit squad."

Image source, Getty Images

Reading goalkeeper Joe Lumley speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire before the match:

"We would like to get some more results but we are doing OK.

"The team has put in some good performances and the lads give it 100% every game and that's all you can do.

"The whole club is working really well together, not just the lads on the pitch, but all the backroom staff who keep us all fit and able to play.

"We prepare for every game and we recover well too. So we'll be ready for Preston."

Both sides make a pair of changes from their midweek line-ups.

Reading see defender Tom McIntyre return from injury and influential midfielder Mamadou Loum returns to the starting XI following a suspension.

Preston North End bring some fresh legs into midfield after Ben Whiteman picked up a knock on Tuesday.

Both Daniel Johnson and Ryan Ledson get the nod to start the game under the lights at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

There is no question Reading are a shaky side right now and it's hard to know what you're going to get from them each week.

Just a few weeks ago they were soaring toward to the top of the Championship table. But after only four points from their last five games the Royals find themselves in 11th place and searching for consistency.

Meanwhile, Preston North End have been quietly making a bit of a charge up the table and have improved in recent weeks with two wins on the bounce to find themselves in eighth.

Reading have much better form at home and equally Preston have a better record on the road.

With neither side scoring bucket loads of goals so far this season don't expect the goal to catch fire. One super strike or one mistimed mistake could be the difference in this one.

Whatever unfolds, I reckon this is going to be a pretty spicy affair.