Neil Taylor and Jonny Howson should return to the starting XI after missing the trip to Blackpool over two weeks ago, with the latter's involvement signalling Paddy McNair's return to the back three. This game will likely come too soon for Chris Wilder's most recent addition, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun, but Aaron Connolly could get his first minutes after joining Boro on loan from Brighton. James Lea Siliki is away on international duty with Cameroon. An injury for centre-back Scott Dann means that central midfielder Josh Laurent will step into the back four for the trip to Teesside. The Royals could line up with three midfielders in the backline with Dejan Tetek and Andy Rinomhota contenders to fill the full-back positions left vacant by Ghana stars Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman. Young midfielder Mamadi Camara received glowing praise from manager Veljko Paunovic despite embarrassing results in the last two games. The teenager could start on Saturday afternoon.