David Stockdale is back between the sticks for Albion – and Beram Kayal returns to central midfield.

But there are talking points as Chris Hughton reveals his XI to kick off at Reading today.

Former Royals man Steve Sidwell gets the nod to partner Kayal in central midfield.

And Sam Baldock starts in attack alongside former Reading loanee Glenn Murray.

Jiri Skalak returns on the left flank in place of Jamie Murphy, who scored here last season.

Stockdale returns after a one-match absence due to a minor shin injury although Niki Maenpaa made the decision to bring him straight back as tough as he could.

Dale Stephens is not in the 18 so Rohan Ince returns to the bench where he joins, among others, Ollie Norwood, the man Albion signed from today’s hosts recently.

Reading keep faith with Yann Kermogant in attack and Joey Van Den Berg, who is better known as a holding midfielder, at centre-back alongside skipper Paul McShane. 

Reading: Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Van den Berg Obita; Evans, Williams, Swift; Beerens, McCleary, Kermorgant. Subs: Jaakkola, Cooper, Mendes, Harriott, Meite, Quinn, Watson.

Albion: Stockdale; Rosenior, Bruno, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Kayal, Sidwell, Skalak; Baldock, Murray. Subs: Maenpaa, White, Ince, Norwood, Murphy, LuaLua, Hemed.