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The Royals are currently eighth in the pre-Christmas standings, well poised to make a surge for the play-off spots.
Standing in the way of another three points is Andy Hessenthaler's Gillingham side.
Boss Alan Pardew watched the Gills warm up for tomorrows game with a hardly-fought defeat in the Worthington Cup against Chelsea in midweek. The Reading boss is well aware of the colossal challenge his side face.
"Gillingham are a good side. They had the lions share of the play at Chelsea on Wednesday but that bit of quality on the break exposed them and we have to do that too, " explained Pardew.
"At home they put you under immense pressure, their stadium is one of the toughest places to get a result in this division but we're in as good a shape as possible to do that."
Alan Pardew will have Anthony Rougier available for selection again as the 30-year-old has recovered from a broken toe.
Over 1300 Royals fans will be there to cheer their team onto what will hopefully be another victory, tickets for away fans have now sold out.