Readingvs.Northampton

The Royals swept past Cambridge United in their most recent League One outing, while the Cobblers edged out promotion-chasing Derby County.

Match preview

Reading's 2023-24 campaign has ultimately been hampered by matters off the pitch, with an eight-point deduction keeping them in the vicinity of the League One relegation zone.

However, they managed to boost their survival hopes with a dominant 4-0 victory over relegation rivals Cambridge United in their most recent outing.

Sam Smith, Femi Azeez, Lewis Wing and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan all got on the scoresheet against the U's, ensuring they currently boast a six-point buffer to the bottom four.

Since easing to victory on March 16, it has emerged that owner Dai Yongge has committed to a letter of intent with a potential buyer, indicating that a long-awaited sale could be completed in the near future.

While that news gives Reading fans reason to be optimistic, Ruben Selles' current focus will be on preparing his side for Saturday's fixture, where he will attempt to lead Reading to the first home victory over Northampton since December 1993.

Northampton, meanwhile, will be pleased with their overall efforts this season, having collected 53 points from 40 games to ward off the threat of an immediate return to the fourth tier.

The Cobblers are currently sitting in the top half of the table after they managed to get the better of second-placed Derby last weekend.

Sam Hoskins's 23rd-minute effort proved enough to condemn Derby to a narrow 1-0 defeat and end Northampton's five-game winless run.

After enjoying success on home turf, Jon Brady's side will now head on their travels, where they have struggled to find consistency in recent times, having won just one of their last seven league games.

While their away form may be underwhelming, Northampton can take confidence from the fact they recorded a 3-1 win over Reading in October's reverse fixture.

Reading League One form:

W

L

W

L

L

W

Northampton Town League One form:

D

L

D

L

L

W

Team News

Reading are still having to cope with the services of Tom Holmes, who has been out of action since January due to injury.

Defender Andy Yiadom will serve the second match of a two-game suspension after receiving his second red card of the season earlier this month.

Ehibhatiomhan came off the bench to score against Cambridge, and he could be rewarded with a starting berth for Saturday's contest.

As for the visitors, their considerable injury list features Lee Burge, Jordan Willis, Akin Odimayo and Patrick Brough.

Defender Jon Guthrie will have to be assessed after he missed the narrow win over Derby due to a hamstring issue.

There are also doubts surrounding the availability of Aaron McGowan and Liam Moore, who were both forced off against the Rams last Saturday.

In more positive news, winger Tony Springett will be available for selection after returning from international duty.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Mola, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Wing, Savage; Azeez, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan; Smith

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Moulden; McGowan, Sherring, Monthe, Koiki; Fox, Sowerby, Leonard; Pinnock, Hoskins, Bowie

We say: Reading 2-1 Northampton Town

Northampton may have got the better of Reading in the reverse fixture, but the Royals tend to produce their best performances on home turf.

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