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Steve Clarke's Reading side have lost just one league game at home this season

Reading manager Steve Clarke says his side must cope with the tag of favourites ahead of three games against sides below them in the Championship.

The third-placed Royals face Charlton at home before away trips to Rotherham and Fulham in the space of a week.

Clarke is wary, despite their lofty league position, after Reading lost the three corresponding games last season.

"Sometimes when you're favourites, people take pleasure in knocking you off your perch," he said.

"It's up to us to be ready for that. There's three very big games and we have to pick up as many points as possible.

"Every game is difficult in the Championship. I know everyone says it, but they say it for a reason, because they mean it.

"Last year, Charlton took six points off Reading, so they must enjoy playing against us. They'll be looking forward to the game, thinking they can do a number on us."

Reading have lost just once in nine league games, but Clarke stressed they must stay focused.

"People will expect Reading to win this week," he said. "So, for our group and our players, it's a bit of reverse psychology."