There have been stark differences in the two sides’ weeks, Carlisle United gained their first win in eight, whereas Reading’s off the field problems have once again harmed them.
Looking at the more pressing issue, Reading have been deducted a further two points due to persistent problems with late payments to HMRC. Having already been at a disadvantage to everyone else, bar Wigan, due to a points deduction, the club have once again been dealt another setback.
As a result they’ve been dragged straight back into the relegation scrap, now sat in 20th and precariously hanging just three points above the relegation zone with three of the four below them having games in hand.
One of the teams below them is bottom of the table Carlisle United. It has been a very hard year for the Cumbrian side, who have struggled with the step-up to the third tier and fans have had little to smile about. However they’ll be far happier given they picked up their first win since New Year’s Day against Burton Albion on Tuesday night.
It is unknown whether they can utilise that momentum or not, and given they have not once won back-to-back games this season, there is no guarantee that win will be backed up.
With that in mind, here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out…
“Carlisle theoretically gained five points on Reading this week, but do still sit 13 points off of safety. It looks like mission impossible for Paul Simpson’s side, but they’ll want to still put up a fight and go out with pride.
Speaking of putting up a fight, I expect Reading to come out all guns blazing in response to this week’s points deduction and they’ll be some anger out there on the pitch. If the Royals do lose this one, it’ll knock their confidence and they’ll be looking over their shoulder at the teams below them.
However I don’t see them losing this, based on the fight they’ve shown all season. They’re probably the slight favourites in this but I think the points could be shared if Carlisle are able to back up their performance on Tuesday. That was their first clean sheet in 28 games and confidence has to be taken from that.
Carlisle United 1-1 Reading
“Carlisle fans will be flying high this week following their victory against fellow strugglers Burton Albion on Tuesday night. That win ended a dismal run which saw Paul Simpson’s side lose eight straight League One matches. It may have even got some Carlisle fans dreaming of a great escape. However, the task is enormous and if they have any shot of making it out of the bottom four, they must back that midweek result up with more of the same, especially considering how difficult their run-in is on paper.
For Reading, their week has been marred by a further points deduction given by the EFL. It has not dropped them into the relegation zone, although after their impressive recent form, this will feel like they’re being put back to square one. Add that to their 3-2 defeat to Shrewsbury last weekend, a side who were ultimately shown up in midweek against Lincoln City, Royals fans may begin to feel their position is becoming ever more precarious once more.
For this one, I struggle to see Reading losing. Carlisle will feel galvanised by their midweek result, and the Reading players, fans and staff may feel downbeat following their last seven days, however, the quality in Ruben Selles’ side is still there.”
Carlisle United 1-2 Reading
Senior Editor
