Reading have been on a superb run of form recently. Is automatic promotion now the aim?
Very much so. We're on a fantastic run at the moment. Very much like the run we had last season, but one step ahead this time. We've still got Southampton, West Ham, Birmingham and Brighton to play. Will be a tough run of fixtures, but exciting nonetheless.
McDermott has been doing a marvellous job and has the full backing of the fans which is a massive bonus for the players.
With all the talk of financial problems in football due to new investors taking control of a football club, how do you feel about the prospect of a new owner at Reading?
John Madejski came out a few years ago and said that he would only ever sell the club to someone who wouldn't put it in danger. Madejski has saved the club and built it to where it is today.
The fans would trust him to make the right decisions for the football club, mainly because he has done it for the last 20 years or so. The new owner seems to tick most of the needed boxes.
He knows the club very well. He used to watch us play at Elm Park when he was a student in the town. He loves his football. He has already backed us in the January transfer market, allowing us to bring in Jason Roberts, Matt Connolly and Tomasz Cywka. None of these have been splash the cash type signings but astute signings by McDermott himself.
If Portsmouth go bust, Reading currently stand to reap the most benefits as all of your promotion rivals will lose points. So, how would you feel if Pompey did go to the wall?
You never want a football club to go bust. The supporters are the hardest hit. Pompey and Reading have had some great games over the years (don't mention the 7-4 thrashing). I'd rather we got promoted on merit.
Greg Halford and Dave Kitson will be returning to their former home. What are your views on these two players and would you have either of them back?
Greg Halford played three games for the club and gave away a penalty in one of those. Didn't really get a chance so wouldn't want him back as he is no better than what we have.
Dave Kitson is a club legend. Always gets a good reception. When Pompey lost here last year he actually failed to acknowledge the travelling Pompey faithful and instead applauded the home supporters.
He's come back once before, and likewise with Halford, no better than what we already have.
Who are the key players in this Royals team?
Jimmy Kebe and Jason Roberts are the stand out players for many a neutral. For those of us that watch Reading week in and week out, we have a fantastic defence. Kaspars Gorkss and Alex Pearce are a formidable pairing in front of Adam Federici, arguably the best keeper in the division.
Jem Karacan and Mikele Leigertwood in midfield are also very underrated. Both will run their socks off. Karacan could easily cut it at the top level. Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt will always get goals.
What are the weaknesses that Pompey might exploit on Tuesday night?
Very few weaknesses at the moment. Ian Harte is a bit slow so the Pompey widemen might have a head-start on him.
Given the two contrasting statuses of both clubs, are you expecting a comfortable win for your boys?
There is no easy game in the Championship. Local bragging rights at stake as well. You have to work hard to win games at this level regardless of the opponent.
Predict the outcome of the game?
2-0 home win. Reading look very strong at the moment whilst Pompey look a bit deflated as a result of the financial uncertainty.