When the FA Cup draw was made, one fixture immediately stood out as a potential giant-killing: Manchester United versus Reading.
The Royals, under the refreshing management of former United stalwart Jaap Stam, will visit Old Trafford for the early kick-off in the third round, to face a revitalised United.
Jose Mourinho’s side have won their last seven fixtures in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three, but Reading have been on a mini-streak of their own, winning their last three encounters to sit third in the Championship.
Confidence is high at the Madejski Stadium; they are just six points behind Newcastle United, who occupy the second automatic promotion spot, and remain six ahead of Derby County, the first team outside of the play-off positions.