Steve Bruce expects a difficult game when his Wigan team host the Royals this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The Latics are currently 13th in the Barclays Premier League, four points above us, and Bruce said, "It will be as hard a game as we've faced. It will be a tough challenge because of what's at stake.

"Reading are fighting for their lives as well. They will have a real go. It's not second-season syndrome for them. You could pick the top four and the bottom-eight teams in the division most seasons.

"There's always a surprise, like when Reading finished eighth last season. Expectations grow and you find it a lot tougher."

The Latics have two very tough fixtures after this weekend, away to Aston Villa and at home to Manchester United. Bruce commented, "If we pull it off we'll have a celebration. I'll gather a few people and off we'll go."

Bruce is in his second spell as Wigan boss, and the final game of his first tenure was the play-off defeat at Madejski Stadium in 2001.

He expects to have Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent back fit for Saturday's encounter after they came off in the 1-1 draw with Spurs.

On-loan defender Erik Hagen is also back for the Latics.