Readingvs.Blackpool

The hosts head into the weekend in sixth place in the League One table, while Blackpool are sitting just outside the top half in 13th position.

Match preview

Reading were recently forced into a managerial change after Ruben Selles opted to leave his position to take over the reins of relegation-threatened Hull City in the Championship.

Hunt, who made over 150 appearances for Reading as a player, was subsequently named as Selles's successor, stepping up from his position as the Under-21s boss to take on his first challenge in senior management.

Hunt has failed to win either of his first two competitive games in charge, including a 1-1 draw in last Saturday's away meeting with League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

Reading were then involved in a dramatic EFL Trophy game against Walsall, which saw them go down to nine men before Tyler Sackey gave them the lead against all odds.

Unfortunately for the Royals, Walsall went on to net a 97th-minute equaliser before winning the subsequent penalty shootout to eliminate Reading in the Round of 32.

The League One playoff contenders will now turn their focus to Saturday's clash against Blackpool, with the hosts looking to claim a sixth consecutive home league victory in Hunt's first home game in the dugout.

Blackpool are currently sitting eight points adrift of sixth-placed Reading after winning six, drawing five and losing seven of their 18 league matches this season.

The Tangerines have started to show signs of a potential upturn in fortunes, recording back-to-back league wins to end an eight-game winless run in the third tier.

Steve Bruce's side recorded a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, before their FA Cup journey was brought to a halt by a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City.

However, Blackpool bounced back in their next league outing, claiming a narrow 2-1 away victory against Shrewsbury Town thanks to an Aaron Pierre own goal and a Josh Onomah effort.

After their scheduled home game with Rotherham United was postponed, the Tangerines have had plenty of time to prepare for Saturday's trip to Berkshire, with the visitors looking to claim three consecutive away league victories for the first time since April/May 2021.

However, their hopes of claiming maximum points may be tempered by the fact the away team on the day has lost each of the last five meetings between these two sides.

Reading League One form:

L

D

W

D

W

D

Reading form (all competitions):

W

D

W

W

D

L

Blackpool League One form:

D

L

D

L

W

W

Blackpool form (all competitions):

W

D

L

W

L

W

Team News

Reading will be unable to call upon the injured trio of Kelvin Abrefa, Andy Yiadom and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan.

Despite being sent off in midweek, David Button and Ashqar Ahmed are set to feature among the substitutes, with their suspensions only applicable to the EFL Trophy.

After making wholesale changes in midweek, Hunt could be tempted to revert back to the side that started the league draw with Wycombe.

Meanwhile, the Tangerines remain without the services of Elkan Baggott, Andy Lyons, CJ Hamilton and Jake Beesley.

Hayden Coulson will return to the squad following a quad problem, while Jordan Rhodes should be available after missing the win over Shrewsbury due to a concussion.

Midfielder Sonny Carey is a doubt for Saturday's away trip after missing the last six competitive matches due to a muscle injury.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Elliott, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Knibbs, Smith

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Tyrer; Offiah, Pennington, Ashworth, Husband; Apter, Morgan, Evans, Onomah; Fletcher, Joseph

We say: Reading 2-1 Blackpool

Written by

Ben Sully

Previews by email