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The draw for the third round of the cup, the round that sees the introduction of the Premiership sides, was made shortly after 3pm this afternoon at the FA's headquarters in Soho.
The Royals were handed a tricky away tie at Walsall a year ago and duly crashed out on penalties following a replay. The chances are they will do the same this time around.
Reading will travel to Lancashire for the match on Saturday 3rd January, kick off 3pm. Whilst the date and time is still to be confirmed, it will be then because neither Sky or the BBC are going to want to move our 'appealing' tie so that they can screen it on TV.
Last time the Royals faced the Lilywhites, the Northern side were defeated by Nicky Forster's last gasp goal. On a dark afternoon at the Madejski Stadium in October, the Royals had to score three times to see off the visitors.
Craig Brown's side were extremely adept and, poised tenth in the league, certainly have the potential to do a 'Walsall' or a 'York' to the Royals.
There are to be five all Premiership ties in the third round. But none of these will be the game of the round as that honour has to go to Yeovil, who are at home to Liverpool. Their 9,400 capacity Huish Park ground is sure to be packed to the rafters for the tie.
Elsewhere, Manchester United travel to Villa Park to pit their wits against Premiership strugglers Aston Villa. Holders Arsenal travel to Elland Road, Southampton are at home to Newcastle, Birmingham face Blackburn and Man City play Leicester.