Reading boss Paul Clement has declared Saturday’s match-up against Sunderland as the Royals’ ‘biggest game of the season’.
Since arriving at the Madejski Stadium, the former Swansea City manager has registered two wins and two defeats, with the Royals five points clear of the bottom three.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are six points adrift of safety and with just four games remaining, they too will be seeking three points when the sides face off on Saturday.
And speaking ahead of the clash, Clement refused to downplay the stakes.
“This is the biggest game of our season,” said the 46-year-old.
“The situation with the table is that we’re five points above relegation and Barnsley have got a game this weekend.”
He continued: “If Sunderland don’t get a result themselves, it’ll be really difficult for them.
“And it’s vital for us to get a positive result again, and if we do, it puts us in a really good situation.
“If you don’t mentally prepare for Sunderland at their best, you’re in danger.
“They went to Derby recently, a team that are pushing for promotion, and they beat them 4-1, so we have to expect a really good Sunderland side to come here, and one that will push for the win.
“They know they have to win this game.”