The Royals failed to capitalise on the stuttering form of fellow promotion-chasers Wolves and Birmingham as they lost 2-0 at home to Bristol City last weekend and boss Steve Coppell could make changes.
Midfielders Tabb and Marek Matejovsky could be given the nod in midfield as Coppell looks to reignite his previously free-scoring side.
James Harper and Kalifa Cisse have been preferred in recent weeks but Coppell is weighing up whether to recall Matejovsky and hand former Coventry player Tabb his Royals debut.
Striker Kevin Doyle will play through the pain barrier despite sustaining a deep ankle cut during the Robins defeat while Adam Federici is likely to continue in goal ahead of Marcus Hahnemann.
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies will be without captain James Perch for the trip.
The midfielder will begin a two-match suspension after collecting his 10th booking of the season in Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Derby.
Fit-again Guy Moussi would be the ideal replacement for Perch, but he has been out of action for four months with an ankle ligament injury so Davies may not risk him.
Robert Earnshaw and Paul Anderson are again likely to be involved after making successful comebacks against Derby while striker Joe Garner could return after missing that match with a shoulder injury.
Julian Bennett (knee) and Arron Davies (calf) remain on the sidelines.
Sporting Life