Preston manager Darren Ferguson looks set to be boosted by the return of defender Wayne Brown.
Brown missed the stunning 6-4 win at Leeds in midweek but if he comes through training he will be involved, although Ferguson may decide to stick with Sean St Ledger and Craig Morgan in central defence from the start.
Striker Josh King could make his return from a three-week absence due to an ankle injury and if he proves his fitness he is likely to be on the bench. However, fellow on-loan Manchester United player Matt James is still sidelined with an ankle problem.
Ferguson has said Adam Barton needs a rest but with the international break coming up and the player pulling out of the Northern Ireland squad, he should play against the Royals.
North End have bounced back from five consecutive defeats to record back-to-back away victories and will hope to continue this run with what would be only their second home win of the season.
Reading boss Brian McDermott will be without captain Matt Mills for the trip.
Mills was dismissed during the 1-0 win over Ipswich in midweek for two bookable offences and will serve a one-match ban at Deepdale.
However, McDermott has a ready-made replacement available as Georgian international defender Zurab Khizanishvili will be back in his squad.
The on-loan Blackburn man missed the Ipswich win thanks to a one-match suspension but he is back, though midfielder Brian Howard completes a three-game ban of his own.
Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson will again miss out through a hamstring injury and winger Hal Robson-Kanu is doubtful after limping out late on in midweek.
His replacement Simon Church scored the only goal with his first touch and comes into contention for a start, but Jay Tabb (ankle), Andy Griffin and Julian Kelly (both hamstring) are all out.
