However, even if the Royals win at Vicarage Road they are not guaranteed a top six place. Wigan, Ipswich and Sheffield United must all fail to win next weekend for their to be any chance.
Wigan, who today lost 1-0 away at Nottingham Forest, must get no more than a point against third placed West Ham next Sunday for the Royals to be able to finish in the top six.
The Latics have won once in their last five games, so there is a very real chance that they could fail to pick up three points at home to the Hammers next weekend. Alan Pardew's West Ham warmed up for their game with Wigan next weekend with a 4-0 win over Watford at Upton Park this afternoon.
The Hornets, who face Reading next weekend, will be torn apart by Kitson and Co next weekend if they play as badly as they did today.
Sheffield United meanwhile, cannot pick up more than a point away at Preston if Reading are to make a final charge into the top six. Although Preston have hardly being playing good football of late, neither have the shaky Blades.
However, even if Sheffield United and Wigan fail to win, sixth place Ipswich must be beaten at home by Cardiff for the Royals to get into the play-offs.
Whilst it is not impossible, Reading's chances appear minimal.
What Must Happen For Reading To Make The Top Six:
Reading must beat Watford.
Wigan must either draw or lose against West Ham.
Sheffield United must pick up no more than a point against Preston.
Ipswich must be beaten by Cardiff.
League Table:
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 45 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 34 | 25 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 37 | 34 | 21 | 10 | 14 | 71 | 59 | 73 | +12 | ||||
| 6 | Ipswich Town | 45 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 48 | 35 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 35 | 36 | 21 | 9 | 15 | 83 | 71 | 72 | +12 | ||||
| 7 | Wigan Athletic | 45 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 28 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 31 | 29 | 18 | 16 | 11 | 59 | 44 | 70 | +15 | ||||
| 8 | Sheffield United | 45 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 37 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 25 | 28 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 62 | 53 | 70 | +9 | ||||
| 9 | Reading | 45 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 29 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 26 | 31 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 55 | 56 | 70 | -1 | ||||