Against Plymouth Argyle, the Royals were (subjectively) held to a point. Goals by Randell Williams and Paudie O’Connor were cancelled out by goals from Alexander Mitchell and Caleb Watts. Stand-out performers in this one were Randell Williams, Jeriel Dorsett and O’Connor, two of whom scored, but I thought Dorsett had a really good game up until the second goal for Plymouth.
Burton Albion managed a win in their last game, against relegation favourites Northampton Town. Goals from Jake Beesley and Kyran Lofthouse were enough to see the Brewers take a comfortable win on the road.
Burton have taken some good points off the top teams this season and are hoping they can do the same against Reading.
The head-to-head between the sides is in Reading’s favour with the Royals winning six, losing three and drawing one. The last encounter went in Reading’s favour, with Jack Marriott and Daniel Kyerewaa getting the goals to start this year off with a win.
In this preview I will mention players who have played for both and I will give my predictions.
What? League One matchday 38
Opposition manager? Gary Bowyer
Players who have played for both
There are now seven people who have played for both teams, compared to the six that it was before.
Here is a reminder of two who have appeared for both sides, and I will then give the one extra player who turned out for both.
The only one on this list to play Premier League football for Reading is Hope Akpan. He racked up 63 games for the Royals, scoring one goal and getting five assists.
For Burton he played 29 games, scoring twice and getting one assist. He is now retired.
Stephen Quinn appeared 45 games for the Royals, scoring two goals and getting five assists. He played 111 times for Burton, managing three goals and five assists.
Finally, a newbie to this list, Billy Bodin. He played 16 times for Reading, scoring two goals and getting one assist, helping the Royals fight for promotion last season.
He played 15 times for Burton, scoring four goals, prompting the Royals to sign him on loan in January 2025.
Joel Pereira will be in goal.
Andy Yiadom, O’Connor, Benn Ward and Dorsett will be the defence.
The midfield will be Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Kamari Doyle.
The attack will be Paddy Lane, Will Keane and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan.
Score prediction: 2-0 Royals!
Good luck to those making the trip to the Midlands.
