2025-26 League One: Week 42 – Reading vs Lincoln City

Reading host Lincoln City in a blockbuster Easter Monday showdown in 2025-26 Sky Bet League One.

Victory would see Reading stay sixth in the table, although a draw would be enough if Stevenage fail to beat Blackpool at home.

Lincoln City meanwhile will secure promotion to the Championship if they avoid defeat.

 

Team News

Reading have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on Good Friday.

Jack Marriott, Randell Williams (both hamstring), Ben Elliott (thigh) and Benn Ward (leg) remains absent.

Lincoln City have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 1-0 victory at home to AFC Wimbledon on Good Friday.

Freddie Draper (hamstring), James Collins (ACL), Adam Jackson (hernia), Adam Reach (unspecified) and Josh Honohan (muscle) are still sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Reading host Lincoln City at Select Car Leasing Stadium on Easter Monday 6 April at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports+ in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Reading are winless in their last six meetings against Lincoln City (D3, L3).
• Lincoln City have lost one of their last six visits to Reading (W2, D3, L1).
• Two of Lincoln City’s last three victories against Reading were by 2-0 results, whilst the other clash ended in a 1-0 win for the Imps.
• Reading are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches in League One (W6, D4).
• Lincoln City have kept clean sheets in seven of their last nine matches (W8, D1).

 

Prediction

With the race for the last play-off spot still tight as four points split Reading and 11th-placed Luton, the Royals can take confidence from their strong home form but they will of been disappointed with their late draw at Huddersfield after they led since half time despite being outplayed.

Lincoln City meanwhile seemed more nervous than usual at home against AFC Wimbledon but crucially grinded it out defensively before they snatched a late win, which has extended their unbeaten run to 23 matches but they will need to be more composed given their solid away form against the Royals.

A single point however is all that the Imps need to wrap up a deserved promotion and I do fancy them to get that point as a draw feels like a fair call, which could suit Reading at this moment but could ultimately be the difference come the final day.

Prediction: Reading 1-1 Lincoln City

Result: Reading 1-2 Lincoln City