Steve Coppell has put the brakes on Steve Sidwell, but Reading are still in top gear in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Former Albion manager Coppell revealed today how curbing the natural attacking instincts of ex-Seagull Sidwell has accelerated Reading to the highest league position in their history.

They go to third-placed Ipswich tonight as leaders following Saturday's 1-0 win at Watford.

Sidwell scored the only goal, a header from a cross by former Albion team-mate Paul Brooker.

It was the midfielder's first of the season, a stark contrast to his five in 12 matches on loan to Albion from Arsenal two seasons ago and nine for Reading last term.

Coppell said: "We were a bit too gung-ho last year, not just Steve but others as well.

"We were too loose at times. Now the two central midfielders bond things together, and I have asked Steve to temper his attacking game. He has done so but still gets into some great positions."

Reading's stay at the summit could be shortlived, unless Coppell spoils the party at Portman Road for his close friend Joe Royle.

The Ipswich boss celebrates his 1,000th match as a manager, knowing victory will automatically take Town above Reading.

Wigan, could return to the top of the table if they win at eighth-placed Watford.

Another former Albion manager was expected to be involved in the promotion race, but Micky Adams' Leicester already have a lot of ground to make up.

They visit his old club Gillingham tonight desperate to emulate the Seagulls' 1-0 win at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

Duplicating Albion's experience against Queens Park Rangers was not what Adams wanted at Loftus Road on Saturday.

The Foxes conceded two late goals to lose 3-2, just as the Seagulls had versus Rangers at Withdean seven days earlier.

Victory for Leicester tonight would suit Albion. The more daylight Mark McGhee's men can put between themselves and the teams below them the better.

They will retain a useful cushion over at least one of the bottom two, as Rotherham and Crewe face each other at Millmoor.

Former Albion loan forward Steve Cotterill, shortlisted for the manager's job with McGhee after Coppell left, is without the suspended Michael Duff for Burnley's home game against third-bottom Cardiff.

Duff was sent-off in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Stoke at Turf Moor.

Cardiff's unexpected 3-2 triumph at Wolves has eased the pressure on their Brighton-born boss Lennie Lawrence.

A win for the Welshmen tonight will ease them above Albion on goal difference.

Another one-time Albion loanee, Ade Akinbiyi, bids to continue his rich vein of form against Leeds at Elland Road. He scored both of Stoke's goals at Burnley.

Sheffield United fall into the category of surprise early strugglers along with Wolves, Leicester and Albion's hosts tomorrow night Nottingham Forest.

Neil Warnock's blunt Blades, who are at Withdean on Saturday, will not find it easy to rediscover a cutting edge against rapidly improving Sunderland at Bramall Lane.

QPR are doing best so far of the promoted sides. Ian Holloway's outfit, rejuvenated after a slow start, seek a fifth victory in succession at home to Peter Reid's inconsistent Coventry.

Plymouth, Second Division champions last season ahead of Rangers and Albion, are heading in the opposite direction.

They try to avoid a fifth defeat on the trot at Preston, who yesterday confirmed caretaker manager Billy Davies as Craig Brown's permanent replacement at Deepdale.

North End have won four of the six games since Davies was promoted from his original position as first-team coach.