McCleary returns from injury to start

Royals winger Garath McCleary returns to action after picking up a small injury in pre-season – he is selected for Jaap Stam’s first competitive XI as we kick off the 2016/17 campaign at home against Preston North End.

Callum Harriott and Yakou Meite are both available from the bench and could make their debuts this afternoon after joining us in recent days.

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Obita, McShane (c), Van den Berg, Evans, Swift, Williams, Beerens, McCleary, Rakels.
Subs: Jaakkola, Cooper, Harriott, Kermorgant, Meite, Watson, Kelly.