Leeds look to bounce back at home to Reading.

Leeds host Brain McDermott's former side Reading, this Tuesday, exactly a year on from the day he was sacked by the club. The Whites manager will be hoping for a major improvement from the 5-1 home defeat to Bolton on Saturday. 

The Whites have managed just two wins in 2014 with victories over Huddersfield and Yeovil being the only positives in what is turning into a dire end to the season. 

Leeds, in-fact, have managed just two wins in their last 14 games and have suffered humiliation at the hands of Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday and more recently at home to Bolton.

Reading currently occupy the last play off place and have had an inconsistent season that has seen them put seven past Bolton, five past Blackpool and pull off convincing wins at fellow promotion chasers; QPR, Nottingham Forest and Derby 

However, dropped points against teams fighting for survival has made it difficult for them to cement their play-off place and goal difference is the only thing keeping them above Wigan who have two games in hand. 

In their last home game the Royals were held to a 1-1 draw against Yeovil who had three men sent off. The result led to Reading supporters booing their team at full-time and manager Nigel Adkins has asked them to "keep the faith" ahead of a crucial set of fixtures.

Adam Le Fondre has proven to be a pain in recent meetings between the two sides, netting three goals in his last two against the Whites. Reading are unbeaten in their last seven against Leeds and have won the last three meetings in a row.

You have to go back to 2005 for the last time Leeds managed a victory over Reading. Plenty of bore draws have been played out since but the Whites have failed to register a goal against the Royals in five games. 

Reading have already taken three points from Leeds earlier in the campaign. The Royals scored late on in a frantic final three of six minutes of added time that saw Jason Pearce come close to giving Leeds the lead, before Stephen Warnock was sent off and Le Fondre poked home from the resulting free-kick. 

Somehow, Leeds are just eight points behind their opponents and can reduce the gap to five with a much needed victory in front of their own fans. 

Matt Smith bagged a consolation against Bolton in the 5-1 thrashing and will be hoping to be involved again on Tuesday. 

McDermott has promised his side will "go for it" in recent weeks and Leeds have failed to do so in any of their three fixtures. Disappointing draws at struggling sides Middlesbrough and QPR as well as the embarrassment by Bolton has led to some fans questioning if Brian is the man for the job. 

Leeds fans will be praying for the return of Jason Pearce who had been a rock at the back all season and was clearly missed on Saturday. McDermott hasn't changed the sides style of play in weeks but has confirmed he will be making much needed changes ahead of Tuesday's game. 

Despite their league position, Reading have managed just one win in their last five games. Leeds, regardless of their dreadful form, remain just eight points off of the play-offs but even the most optimistic of fans will probably have given up hope of a top six finish. 

Last meeting: September 18th 2013, Reading 1-0 Leeds United 
At Elland Road: December 17th 2011, Leeds United 0-1 Reading 

Last five league games: Leeds United - WLDDL
Reading - LWLDD