This weekend sees the ‘point deduction derby’, as Wigan Athletic hosts Reading in League One action, and three Real EFL pundits have given their take.
Although both clubs had summers marred by off the field failures, their on pitch performances this season have been considerably different.
Wigan stormed out of the blocks in August, picking up ten points from their first four matches before then losing six of their next seven.
The Latics have failed to put together any real consistency to pull themselves into mid-table, as unbeaten runs are immediately followed by winless runs, showing their difficulty to shake off defeat.
Reading on the other hand failed to win away from home in the league until the end of November, which saw them dispatch of a Wycombe side who were in a poor run of form themselves.
The Royals’ recent run will give their fans hope of their footballing future however, seeing them on an unbeaten run that now stretches to six matches.
A victory for Reading could see them climb out of the relegation zone if Exeter City were to lose, whilst a home victory could see them move to as high as 13th in the table.
Three Real EFL pundits have given their view ahead of what could be a vital clash for both sides as the final 20 match run in begins.
Gary Hutchinson
“A game between two sides who both started with a heavy deficit looked like it might be a relegation decider at the beginning of the season. Now, I’m not so sure either side are really in the mire. Off the field, Reading are a mess, but credit where it is due, they’ve been decent on the pitch, more so when you know what the players and staff are putting up with behind the scenes.”
“Both sides might be around the bottom four, but I think they’ll both survive. As for this encounter, Wigan should edge it. They’ve not been on a great run, and Reading did beat them just before Christmas, but I fancy them to get a little revenge, and boost their own survival hopes.”Wigan 1-0 Reading
Charlie Beeston
“Both of these sides have had difficult seasons, and as much as you can not help but wish Reading success off the field, their on pitch performance certainly needs work, however they currently find themselves in a much better position than at the start of the season. Their recent upturn in not just results, but performances alike will give their fans hope as they travel to the DW stadium.”
“Wigan have also had some decent performances recently, but also some less so, and with a 2-0 defeat at the Madejski Stadium in December to avenge, the players will be determined to get something out of this. This for me has a draw written all over it, a result I am sure Ruben Selles will take, but one Shaun Maloney may be disappointed in.”
Wigan 1-1 Reading
Ivan Newsome
“Given both sides’ respective off the field problems this season, it is impressive where they are each sat in the League One table currently. Although the two clubs are very much involved in the relegation battle, recent winning momentum is being carried into this game by each team.”
“Reading are unbeaten in five whereas Wigan are unbeaten in their last three. It’s got a real six-pointer feel about it, the Latics could further distance themselves to the relegation zone, whereas the Royals, with a win, could claw Wigan back into the fight.”
“It should be one of the games of the weekend given what is at stake. With their game against Port Vale being abandoned due to protests last week, there are questions as to whether that will impact Reading’s on pitch performance and it’ll certainly be an interesting spectacle. Wigan do slightly edge it, and being at home no doubt aids that cause.”
Wigan 2-1 Reading
