If the first game between Reading and Bournemouth at the start of the season held some tension, then this latest encounter has watched that up about 10-fold. While Reading were the Championship's runaway leaders early on in the season, they were caught and have been trying to re-establish themselves in the play-off places, while Bournemouth have slipped below them again. This game could catapult one of these teams into contention for an automatic promotion place, but the loser may well see a very difficult second half of the season.

The Cherries know this next game against Reading could 

see them put themselves back in contention for a high finish.