Preview: Northampton Town vs. Reading - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are in 17th place in the league standings with 10 points after nine games, while the visitors are on six points and are the first side below the dotted line.

Match preview

Northampton Town were promoted back to League One this season, and while their return to the third tier has not been as incredible as fellow promotion recipients Stevenage, they will be relatively content with the start they have made.

Jon Brady's side come into this match fresh off a much-needed 2-0 win over Exeter on the road last week, which brought an end to a five-match losing run, including three league losses and two EFL trophy defeats.

Sam Hoskins gave his side the lead inside the first 20 minutes, and after a dogged defensive display, Patrick Brough secured a valuable three points moments before the full-time whistle at St James Park.

After nine matches in the league season, the Cobblers have recorded three wins, one draw and five losses, though only one of those wins came at Sixfields Stadium back in mid-August against Peterborough United.

While Northampton have averaged less than one goal scored per 90 minutes, they have balanced that somewhat with a reasonably solid defence that have only let in nine, which is fewer than the likes of Bolton and Peterborough, who are currently in the top five in the table.

Meanwhile, Reading were hit with their second point deduction of the season a few weeks ago after a suspended three-point penalty was triggered due to their failure to comply with an order to deposit funds for staff wages by the specified deadline.

The Royals have now been docked four points so far this season, bringing their total to an alarming 16 points in less than 24 months, while the club is still reportedly continuing to seek external investment.

While Reading have also recorded three wins, one draw and five losses, they find themselves in the relegation zone with six points and are winless in their last two matches, including a 4-1 loss to Blackpool and a 0-0 draw against Burton Albion last weekend.

With the likes of George Puscas, Andy Carroll and Tom Ince moving on in the transfer window, goals have been hard to come by for Ruben Selles's side, with only Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan scoring more than once in the first nine games this season.

In addition, Reading have been very poor on the road, failing to win a single of their final 12 away matches in the Championship last season (W0 D2 L10) and losing all four of their League One matches on the road this season.

Northampton Town League One form:

W

W

L

L

L

W

Northampton Town form (all competitions):

L

L

L

L

L

W

Reading League One form:

W

L

L

W

L

D

Reading form (all competitions):

L

L

W

W

L

D

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Team News

Hoskins' goal against Exeter was his fourth of the season, making him the side's highest goalscorer, and he should retain his place alongside Mitchell Pinnock and Kieron Bowie in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

As mentioned, the backline of Joseph Odimayo, Sam Sherring, John Guthrie and Brough has been solid this term and should remain unchanged, barring any last-minute injury issues.

Ehibhatiomhan should maintain his place in attack for Reading, while Dominic Ballard will be hoping to be recalled to the starting 11 after coming off the bench in the last match.

If Ballard is to be returned to the starting lineup, that could see Femi Azeez move to the right wing at the expense of Harvey Knibbs.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; Odimayo, Sherring, Guthrie, Brough; McWilliams, Leonard; Bowie, Pinnock, Hoskins; Appere

Reading possible starting lineup:

Button; Yiadom, Bindon, Abbey, Mola; Elliot, Savage, Hutchinson, Azeez; Ballard, Ehibhatiomhan

We say: Northampton Town 1-1 Reading

Despite the gap in the league standings owing to Reading's points docking this season, these sides have an identical win/loss record and are separated by just two goals. We are expecting an even contest here and feel this one will end level at the final whistle.

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