Reading host Stevenage in a massive Sky Bet League One clash at opposite ends of the table.
Victory will lift Reading up to 12th in the table, whilst Stevenage can go top until Saturday with a win.
Team News
Reading have no fresh injury concerns to report following their FA Cup exit at home to Carlisle.
Matt Ritchie (glute) remains sidelined.
Stevenage have no fresh injury concerns following their FA Cup loss to Chesterfield.
When is Kick-Off?
Reading host Stevenage at Select Car Leasing Stadium on Thursday 6 November at 8pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Reading are yet to lose a league meeting against Stevenage (W2, D2).
- Stevenage are yet to win a league match away to Reading (D1, L1).
- Last season’s meetings between Reading and Stevenage both ended in 1-1 draws
- Jack Marriott has scored in two of Reading’s last three league matches at home.
- Stevenage have lost two of their last four away games in League One by 1-0 results (W1, D1, L2).
Prediction
Having blown a 2-0 lead in injury time against Carlisle before they eventually lost in extra time, Reading have to improve defensively but the statistics suggest that they were just outclassed in a close game, which will give their new manager – Leam Richardson some positives to work with.
Stevenage though will be disappointed to be out of the FA Cup after a disappointing display against Chesterfield but it might be a blessing in disguise, because they can now focus fully on their promotion challenge after most of their rivals too suffered surprise exits.
Last season’s meetings between both teams though were tight and given Stevenage’s current dip plus Reading’s need to atone for their FA Cup embarrassment, I can see another draw coming.
Prediction: Reading 1-1 Stevenage
Result: Reading 1-0 Stevenage