Reading vs Northampton Town: Predictions, Lineups & Odds (26/12)

The Kevin Nolan era at Northampton Town begins on Boxing Day, as they travel to Reading in League One action.

Our Three Predictions For Reading vs Northampton Town

- - - Prediction 1 – Both Teams To Score – 8/13

- - - Prediction 2 – Over 2.5 Goals Scored- 13/20

- - - Prediction 3 – Match To End In A Draw – 11/4

First Prediction For Reading vs Northampton Town – Both Teams To Score – 8/13

Both teams look very volatile at the moment and their opposing offences may have a field day in this one. Since the loss of Ruben Selles to Hull City, The Royals have conceded five goals in two games and their grip on the playoffs looks to be loosening whilst they are in manager limbo. Nobody will know what to expect with the arrival of Kevin Nolan at Sixfields but the new manager bounce is a well-established phenomenon and may be an aid in this game.

Second Prediction For Reading vs Northampton Town – Over 2.5 Goals Scored – 13/20

Both defences have not covered themselves with glory in recent games. As mentioned, Reading have conceded five times in the past 180 minutes and in that extends to seven in four matches. To put it simply, Northampton’s defence has been dire. They have conceded 13 goals in their four previous games and have only scored once in the third tier since the middle of November against Wigan Athletic. It is a prime breeding ground for the attacks to get plenty of shots away.

Third Prediction For Reading vs Northampton Town – Match To End In A Draw – 11/4

Despite this poor form for both sides it may be a very close affair. Noel Hunt has taken interim charge of Reading and despite a draw (and penalty loss to Walsall), has failed to get any of the potential Ruben Selles got out of his side. Northampton are in a very bad patch right now and with Kevin Nolan only just coming through the door will not have had sufficient time to coach this side into the way he wants to play. It could be a high-scoring draw on Boxing Day.

Best Odds For Reading vs Northampton Town

Bookmaker	Reading	Draw	Northampton Town
Betarno	8/11	5/2	14/5
Gentleman Jim	4/6	14/5	16/5
Myriadplay	71/100	11/4	61/20

Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head-To-Head

Both sides are in a rut right now and will be hoping for a big result to reverse their poor form. In Reading’s case, they have lost Ruben Selles to Hull City and are now in the process of appointing a new manager. Noel Hunt has been in interim charge, leading them in their last three matches. They were knocked out of the EFL Trophy by League Two leaders Walsall before two tough losses at the hands of Blackpool and Lincoln City by an aggregate score of 5-0. Their last match against a bottom-six side saw them handily beat Cambridge United 3-0 at the start of December. Northampton Town come into this game with a boost after confirming the appointment of Kevin Nolan as their next manager. The former Leyton Orient man has been out of management since being sacked by Notts County six years ago. He was part of David Moyes’ coaching staff at West Ham United, winning a UEFA Conference League whilst at the club. For The Cobblers, they will be hoping to put an end to their woes, losing their most recent match at home to Charlton Athletic 5-0. Across the last five games, they have also been beaten 3-0 by both Peterborough United and Rotherham United. Last season saw both teams share a win apiece, with Reading winning 1-0 thanks to Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, with Northampton taking a 3-1 win at Sixfields earlier that season.

Confrontation

Where To Watch Reading vs Northampton Town

Where can I watch the game, either on TV or in person?

- - - Location: Select Cars Leasing Stadium, Reading, Berkshire

- - - Date: December 26th, 2024

This game is available to watch in the UK on Sky Sports+, with kick-off at 3 pm.

Probable Lineups For Reading vs Northampton Town

What sort of lineup can we expect from this important League One clash?

Predicted Reading Lineup

- - - Lineup: Pereira; Craig, Bindon, Mbengue, Garcia; Savage, Knibbs, Wing; Campbell, Smith, Osho

- - - Injured/Suspended: Dorsett

- - - Manager: Noel Hunt

Predicted Northampton Town Lineup

- - - Lineup: Tzanev; Odimayo, Guthrie, McGowan, Willis, Guinness-Walker; Pinnock, Hondermarck, McGeehan; Eaves, Roberts

- - - Injured/Suspended: Fox, Baldwin

- - - Manager: Kevin Nolan

Media Centre – News About Reading vs Northampton Town

https://x.com/ReadingFC