2024-25 League One: Week 46 – Reading vs Barnsley

Reading conclude their push for a play-off spot against Barnsley on the final day of 2024-25 League One season.

Reading can only qualify for the play-offs if they better Leyton Orient’s result at Huddersfield, whilst Barnsley will finish 12th if they win.

 

Team News

Jeriel Dorsett could return for Reading after having been sidelined since late November with various injury issues.

Kelvin Abrefa (hamstring), Michael Craig (unspecified) and Ben Elliott (thigh) remain absent.

Barnsley have no fresh injury concerns following their 2-1 home loss to Shrewsbury.

Georgie Gent (Achilles), Stephen Humphrys (ankle), Fabio Jalo (knee) and Jackson Smith (hamstring) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Reading host Barnsley at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday 3 May at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports+ Red Button in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Reading have avoided defeat in five of their last six meetings against Barnsley (W1, D4, L1).
• Barnsley have won just one of their last six visits to Reading (W1, D1, L4).
• Reading have kept clean sheets in five of their last six home games against Barnsley.
• Lewis Wing has scored in three of Reading’s last five matches (W3, D1, L1).
• Davis Keillor-Dunn has scored in each of Barnsley’s last three away games (D1, L2).

 

Prediction

Needing Huddersfield to do them a favour, Reading simply have to focus on doing their bit to help their own cause by winning this game which shouldn’t be too much trouble if can continue their strong form of the last few months, particularly after clinical wins at Mansfield and Bristol Rovers.

Barnsley though can’t be written off despite not having anything really to play for because they have Keillor-Dunn and Jon Russell who have proven to be a handful in recent games, but one win in their last 11 has seen them miss out on a play-off push so they will surely want a say in that last play-off spot.

Reading though are in much better form and I really do fancy them to get the win even if it isn’t enough due to Leyton Orient’s superior goal difference, but Barnsley will surely bring the fight to them at least.

Prediction: Reading 2-1 Barnsley