Reading and QPR play each other on Sunday in the Premier League. Both sides are 10 points from safety. Survival is almost impossible for both teams. But the loser of that game - will be the first confirmed side to be relegated.
Final score: Reading 0 - 2 Southampton
Reading 0 - 2 Southampton ( Scorers - Jay Rodriguez (34), Adam Lallana (72).
Reading manager Nigel Adkins made five changes to his side for this afternoon's vital Barclays Premier League match against former club Southampton.
Adam Federici returns in goal after an ankle injury, while Sean Morrison, Chris Gunter, Hope Akpan and Adam Le Fondre came in after the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino made one alteration at the Madejski Stadium, with Gaston Ramirez coming in for Jason Puncheon.
Reading have announced the signing of Sheffield United forward Nick Blackman.
The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals for the Blades this season and has penned a three and a half year deal at Madejski Stadium.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m very excited,” Blackman said. “I met the gaffer last night, he was fantastic with me and I couldn’t have asked any more from him and Nick Hammond. I can’t wait to play – hopefully I can try and get involved as soon as possible.”
Manager Brian McDermott said that he was pleased to bolster his ranks with such a versatile player: “We’re very pleased to get him. He had options elsewhere but he knows that we try to develop our players and help them get better. He’s played a lot of games, and has so much more to come."
Blackman began his career at Macclesfield Town, graduating through the Silkmen’s Academy before making his professional debut at the age of 17, scoring his first goal in only his second game for the club.
The deal is subject to final paperwork but the club say they expect this to be a formality.
With Reading and QPR the only two sides in the Premier League without a win this season, it was no surprise their match ended in a draw today.
A volley from Kasper Gorkss put the away side into a half-time lead at Loftus Road.But Djibril Cisse equalized for QPR midway through the second half.
Final score QPR 1 Reading 1.
The celebrations mark Reading FC's second visit to the top flight in the club's history.
Read the full storyReading FC's open-top-bus tour is due to begin at 12:30pm, ending two hours later at the Madejski Stadium.
Diversions are in place in the Berkshire town and some bus services will be affected.
At the stadium, the team will be presented with the Championship trophy and the Player of the Season announcement will be made.
The club is celebrating its return to the Premier League.
