Reading host Stockport County at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in what is a crucial match at the top end of the table.
League One
Our Three Predictions for Reading vs Stockport County
- First Prediction: Match to end in a draw – 6/5
- Second Prediction: Both teams to score – 53/100
- Third Prediction: Sam Smith to score at any time – 47/20
First Prediction for Reading vs Stockport County – Match to end in a draw – 6/5
With both sides separated by one league position and three points, this game will be a close, pressurised encounter between two sides looking for playoff football. At the moment, the hosts are the side occupying that last playoff spot, however, by the end of the day depending on this result that could change. Whilst Reading are unbeaten in four league games, Stockport have suffered a slight wobble in recent weeks and are winless in five, however, two of these five games have ended in draws. Furthermore, momentum in the league might take a hit with these two sides losing in the FA Cup last weekend to opposition in higher leagues. A loss of momentum alongside a high-pressure tie may mean this match ends level at full-time.
Second Prediction for Reading vs Stockport County – Both teams to score – 53/100
These sides have proved this season that they can score goals. Reading have scored 39 goals in 24 games and 23 of these goals have come at home. The Hatters have scored 37 goals in 25 games, and despite losing top-scorer Louie Barry, they have still scored in their last two league games against Birmingham City and Mansfield Town. Both teams have a positive goal-difference record but haven’t been strangers to conceding goals, the Royals conceding 33 and Stockport conceding 27. Noel Hunt’s side have only kept four clean sheets in the league this season, which is a poor record for a side that has been in and around the play-offs all season. Although this may be a tight game, both sides are likely to score with these sides’ scoring records yet also defensive frailties.
Third Prediction for Reading vs Stockport County – Sam Smith to score at any time – 47/20
Striker Sam Smith is currently Reading’s top-scorer for the second year in a row. He has scored nine goals in 22 games this season and has three goal contributions in his last five games in all competitions. The 26-year-old rejoined Reading in 2023 and has since proved to be a very reliable goalscorer, scoring 25 goals in 60 appearances in two seasons for the Royals. With the striker in form, he will be full of confidence and looking to further add to his tally to take it to double figures on the weekend.
Best Odds for Reading vs Stockport County
| Bookmaker | Reading | Draw | Stockport County |
| Myriadplay | 41/20 | 6/5 | 107/100 |
| Gentleman Jim | 21/10 | 5/2 | 21/20 |
| Betarno | 2/1 | 12/5 | 1/1 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-To-Head
As mentioned above, Reading come into this one in better form than the away side does, and they remain unbeaten in four league games despite losing to Burnley in the FA Cup last weekend. Stockport, despite still sitting seventh, are winless in five games in all competitions. The Royals have a chance to extend their run to five matches, whilst Dave Challinor’s side are looking to return to winning ways.
Three points would be massive for both sides in their playoff pushes, with Reading clinging onto sixth and The Hatters not far behind in seventh. If County were to win, they could potentially leapfrog the home side into that last playoff spot, but if the home side were to win, depending on other results, they could reach fifth and further widen the gap between themselves and the teams outside the playoffs.
These sides have only met once since the 2000’s, and that was earlier this season. Stockport ran out 4-1 winners against Reading thanks to goals from Louie Barry, Will Colar and Kyle Wootton.
Confrontation
Where to watch Reading vs Stockport County
Due to the 3 PM blackout, this match will not be available on TV, but where can you watch it in person?
- Location: The Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading
- Date: Saturday January 18, 2025
Probable Lineups for Reading vs Stockport County
What sort of lineups can we expect for this League One clash?
Predicted Reading Lineup:
- Lineup: J. Pereira; A. Kanu, T. Bindon, H. Dean, A. Mbengue; C. Savage, L. Wing, H. Knibbs; K. Abrefa, S. Smith, J. Wareham
- Injured/suspended: B. Elliot, M. Camara, K. Ehibhatiomhan, J. Dorsett, A. Yiadom, A. Akande, M. Craig
- Manager: Noel Hunt
Predicted Stockport County Lineup:
- Lineup: B. Hinchliffe; E. Pye, C. Connolly, M. Southam-Hales, K. Knoyle, R. Rydel; C. Camps, O. Norwood, W. Collar, O. Bailey; K. Wootton
- Injured/suspended: N. Powell, T. Onyango, L. Bate, T. Olaofe, F. Horsfall, J. Fevrier
- Manager: Dave Challinor
Media Centre – News about Reading vs Stockport County
💬 “Listen, we know the challenge ahead. We saw first hand their [Stockport’s] quality, but at home, it can be a different game.”
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) January 16, 2025
Noel speaks ahead of Saturday’s clash against County.
Watch the full interview on RoyalsTV. pic.twitter.com/kKSSSMDlmq
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🔜 A big game coming up in our play-off push…
— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) January 15, 2025
Tickets for our first ever trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium are available to buy online now ⤵️#StockportCounty
