Sheffield United vs Reading confirmed teams as Chris Basham returns in timely boost

Sheffield United are looking to take another huge stride forward in the race for a top six finish. The Blades entertain Reading at Bramall Lane hoping to build on their impressive home form.

United are currently enjoying a 12-game unbeaten run on home soil and are yet to taste defeat here under Paul Heckingbottom. With three of United's remaining five games being played in S2, that could be key to their hopes of finishing in the promotion picture.

Today's fixture is the first of an Easter weekend double header, with a trip to Bristol City on Monday to follow. It's imperative United continue their good form during this period, which is regarded as the weekend where the contenders stand out from the pretenders.

Reading arrive having lost just once in their last five outings and are enjoying an upturn in fortunes under new manager Paul Ince. They also have performed well against sides at the top end of the division, with a point at Bournemouth followed by a home win over Blackburn.

The Royals arrive with their status in the division not yet guaranteed and with both teams in need of points for different reasons, it promises to be another entertaining affair.

Paul Heckingbottom has handed in his teamsheet and he makes two changes to the side that drew with Bournemouth last time out. Sander Berge drops to the bench, while John Fleck misses out with a groin injury. In comes Ben Osborn and Conor Hourihane.

In a huge boost to Heckingbottom, Chris Basham is back in the matchday squad after being given the green light to return following injury.

Sheffield United starting XI: Foderingham; Uremovic, Egan, Davies; Baldock, Osborn, Norwood, Hourihane, Stevens; Gibbs-White, McBurnie.

Subs: A Davies, Robinson, Basham, Berge, Ndiaye,