Reading manager Mark Bowen has admitted Leeds United are “the most difficult side in the division to play against” away from home ahead of their clash at Elland Road this weekend.
The Whites welcome the Royals to West Yorkshire having returned to winning ways last time out against Bristol City.
That 1-0 victory opened up a three-point cushion for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in second place after Fulham lost at home to Barnsley.
Bowen’s side shook off a poor run of form themselves with a 3-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
However, the Reading boss has admitted his side will be tasked with facing the toughest away trip in the Championship this weekend.
“They’re always big games. When you play them away from home they’re probably the most difficult side in the division to play against with the questions they ask of you and the intensity they play at and the organisation Bielsa has got,” Bowen told BerkshireLive.
“They’ve not had a fantastic run of late, but looking at the stats they produce they ask questions of any team playing them and the fact they haven’t won those games is more down to lack of concentration or a goalkeeping mistake.
“In general play, they will put us under pressure. Certain things have to fall into place.”
The Royals boss added: “The thing that stands them out above anyone else in the league is the intensity they play at.
“Of course, you’d love to get there in an ideal world, but sometimes you can only get there with a different personnel of player.