In his obligatory pre-match interview with leedsunited.com, United head coach Garry Monk professed his admiration for tonight’s opponents, and effusively praising the work Jaap Stam has carried out at the Madjeski Stadium this season.

The former Swansea boss, once touted as a potential England manager in the future, also stressed the importance of maintaining Elland Road as being a fortress and admitted that the team hope to return to winning ways tonight.

“There was disappointment on Friday and we take it a lot harsher now, which is a good sign because we have set a high standard for ourselves,” Monk commented.

“Good sides can react straight away and we have done that this season when we have suffered a negative result and that is something we hope to do again.

“We need to be at our maximum every game, because we know when we do that we have a chance of getting results and that is something we want to do on Tuesday.

“Reading are an excellent side, Jaap Stam has gone in there at the start of the season and done a wonderful job with them.

“We want to keep Elland Road a fortress, last time out the atmosphere was unbelievable, and we want to recreate that tomorrow.

“Now we have two home games, we have to try and maximise the points out of them, it will be a difficult task against two very good sides,” Monk concluded.

Meanwhile, in a similar fashion to his contemporary Garry Monk, Reading impresario Jaap Stam was also rather complementary in his words ahead of the match.

Speaking to Reading’s official website, Stam said: “We will be working hard to make sure we are prepared for Leeds.”

“They are a quality team. Physically they are a strong side and I’ve seen them play a lot of games this season so I know a bit about their quality and what they can do.”

Match Facts
After a fruitless run of nine league games without a win against Reading (drawing five and losing four), Leeds have won in two of their past three encounters against the Royals (drawing once).

Leeds have won five of their past seven league games at Elland Road (drawing once and losing once) - the Whites most recently inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon pre-season promotion favourites Aston Villa in their last home game.

The Royals have won six of their past seven league games (losing once), although that loss was in their most recent away trip; they succumbed to a heavy 5-0 defeat at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

Star Men

Leeds United: Chris Wood (6.95 Average Statistical Rating)

The 25 year-old New Zealand international has scored 59.9% of Leeds United’s goals in all competitions so far this season, having already matched his goal tally for 2015-16. He has seen to his attacking responsibilities in Garry Monk’s effective 4-2-3-1 system dutifully, with his hold-up play and clinical finishing proving to be major assets to Leeds on several occasions this term. The dependable forward looks destined to surpass the 20 goal mark by the time the current season concludes, and his prolific exploits in front of goal have been a major contributing factor toward Leeds’ unexpected charge for the play-offs.

Fact: In total, Wood has scored no less than 23 times in 56 league appearances for Leeds since signing for the Elland Road club in July 2015.

Reading: Garath McCleary (7.18 Average Statistical Rating)

The fleet-footed 29 year-old has been in fine form for his club this season, scoring seven goals in 18 league appearances. His guile, coupled with his direct running and electric speed, make him a prepotent threat to any Championship defence.

Fact: In addition to his seven Championship goals this term, McCleary has laid on a further three goals for his teammates.

Writer's View

After the acrimony of Friday night, a hopefully superlative return to Elland Road awaits. In recent years, the prospect of 90 minutes under the Elland Road floodlights appeared more of a chore than a tangibly exhilarating matchday experience, but our we’ve shown heaps of fortitude in our home encounters this term, losing just three matches on our territory. That is a fact that brings with it a great deal of encouragement; make no bones about it, we are extremely capable of taking all three points that are on offer tonight.
Despite the defeat at Brighton our performances this season have been admirable, especially in recent weeks. Against Rotherham, Liverpool and Aston Villa, Kemar Roofe excelled in a central role, and Souleymane Doukara, surprisingly diligent this season, has regained his place in the starting lineup after several industrious displays on the left. Our exotically named hotshot Ronaldo Vieira has blossomed in central midfield, and Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley, along with Charlie Taylor and Luke Ayling have performed consistently for the vast majority of the season. All this in recent weeks despite the absences of notable key players including the creative conjuror Pablo Hernandez and the tough-tackling Liam Bridcutt.

Reasons to be cheerful then, in spite of a few bumps on the road. I predict a warm, cost return to home comforts tonight, and a 2-1 win for us. Should my prediction ring true, we will have sent out a clear message to our nearest play-off rivals; that we are in firm contention for a play-off berth and that we are realistic contenders for promotion. It’ll be a tall order to win tonight, but I back us.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Reading

Statistics derived from WhoScored.com

Photo: Action Images