Wolverhampton Wanderers have been described by Steve Coppell, the Reading manager, as "arguably the best footballing side" in the Coca-Cola Championship.
The two teams meet at Madejski Stadium today and Wolves, who remain in the hunt for a play-off position, cannot afford a defeat. But Reading are cruising at the top of the table and have been destined for the Premiership since October.
"We're very mindful of the quality of the opposition," Coppell said. "They're arguably the best footballing side in the division and it will take our fullest concentration if we're to win the game.
"At the end of last season everybody was saying they were the best team, they'd had an unbeaten run of 20-odd games but this season shows just how difficult this division is. Nothing is guaranteed."
Jackie McNamara could return to action for Wolves before the end of the month after a knee-ligament injury that has decimates his season.
The former Celtic defender has been out of action since September but could be set to return for the reserve team next week after his surgeon gave him the all-clear two days ago.
Glenn Hoddle, the Wolves manager, said: "He's worked tirelessly for the past six months and, if anything, we've had to hold him back and go by the specialist's instructions. He could possibly have been ready earlier but we didn't want to take a risk with him.
"He's obviously going to need some time, perhaps he'll have to play four or five reserve games and take part in a little more intensive training as well. We'll treat him as a normal player now and really work him to get him back to full fitness."
Wolves are hopeful over the fitness of Denes Rosa for the match in the Coca-Cola Championship away to Reading today.
Rosa suffered a groin strain after scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City last weekend, but Hoddle is "optimistic" about the player's chances of being fit.
Kenny Miller has shaken off an ankle injury sustained in the same game and will keep his place in the side. Darren Anderton (hamstring) is a likely absentee, but Mark Kennedy (foot) could be fit.
However, Seyi Olofinjana, the midfield player, is out with a back injury, which looks likely to have brought his season to an early end.
Steve Sidwell, the Reading midfield player, should end his two-game absence for the match at the Madejski Stadium.
Sidwell has overcome ankle and thigh problems and is set to go straight back into Steve Coppell's plans as Reading look to take another step towards clinching promotion.
Glen Little, another midfield player, remains absent, though, as he continues to be hampered by a groin injury sustained during the 3-0 win away to Burnley earlier in the month.
Stephen Hunt is vying for a start with Dave Kitson, and Kevin Doyle is set to continue in attack with Leroy Lita (broken ankle) sidelined for the rest of the season.
