Reading's on-loan Chelsea defender Nathan Ake has been handed his Royals debut for today's fixture with Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium, but lines up in midfield alongside Hope Akpan.

However, Steve Clarke is without midfielder Danny Williams who serves a suspension and striker Simon Cox who picked up a knock in training.

Cardiff go with a new front pairing as Conor McAleny and Eoin Doyle are selected to start together for the first time.

Fellow striker Federico Macheda misses out with a back problem.

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; McCleary, Ake, Akpan, Robson-Kanu; Mackie, Pogrebnyak.

Cardiff City: Marshall; Peltier, Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Fabio; Noone, Whittingham, Gunnarsson, Ralls; Doyle, McAleny.

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