Play-off chasing Reading host Barnsley in a key game in League One as final positions get decided in what looks to be a thrilling final day of action.
League One
Our 3 predictions for Reading vs Barnsley
- 1st prediction: Reading to win or draw
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Reading vs Barnsley: Reading to win or draw – 7/50
This will be an interesting game between two sides in very different positions going into the final day. This game could not be more important for Reading who currently sit outside the play-offs on goal difference only, and know they need to better Leyton Orient’s result to get into the final six. By contrast, Barnsley have nothing to play for after a poor few months which has seen them drop down the table; they now lie right in the middle of the table in 12th. They have struggled in recent weeks despite the permanent appointment of Conor Hourihane, and they may struggle in this one with nothing to play for. Reading will be well up for this one and have home advantage so it would be surprising if they didn’t get a result.
2nd prediction for Reading vs Barnsley: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 11/25
This should be an entertaining game with plenty of goals. Reading know they have to go for it if they want to get to the play-offs, with a draw likely not being enough. A win is necessary and they will harness their home support to really attack a fragile Barnsley side. This Reading team have been through plenty on and off the pitch and have a real fearless nature to them, which will help them this weekend. Barnsley have less to play for and have looked incredibly open at times; with less at risk for them, this may show itself again. With the stakes being so high in this game and the players involved, it should be a cracker.
3rd prediction for Reading vs Barnsley: Both teams to score – 11/25
This will likely be an experimental game for Barnsley; they have nothing to play for so new boss Conor Hourihane will likely use it to assess his squad and work on imprinting his way of doing things before what they will hope will be a more successful 2025/26 season. This likely means they will play with more freedom with less riding on the game, so will hopefully look more of a threat going forward. As for Reading, they have to go for it to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs. They will be buoyed by the home crowd and won’t rest as they look for a win, which is likely what they will need to overtake an in-form Leyton Orient side. They will want to get their shooting boots on to gain momentum before a play-off campaign, so this looks like a high scorer for both sides.
Best odds for Reading vs Barnsley
| Bookmaker | Reading | Draw | Barnsley |
| MyriadPlay | 57/100 | 3/1 | 333/100 |
| Gentleman Jim | 8/13 | 31/10 | 10/3 |
| Betarno | 29/50 | 74/25 | 33/10 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
This is a huge game for Reading, but not so much Barnsley. The away side are stuck in mid table after a poor run and will use this game largely as a practice run for next season. By contrast, it couldn’t be bigger for Reading who sit outside the top six on goal difference. A win here would help them as they try to make the play offs, but they would still rely on Leyton Orient dropping points.
In terms of form coming into this, Reading are in great form, with only one loss in the last six while Barnsley have only won one in the same period. In their last games, Barnsley lost 2-1 at home to already relegated Shrewsbury while Reading beat Bristol Rovers 2-0.
Taking fixture history into account, it’s pretty even with Reading having won 27 to Barnsley’s 32, with 24 draws. The last two games have both been 2-2 draws, but this likely won’t be enough for Reading this time.
Confrontation
24/01/2026
League One League One
Reading
Barnsley
2
2
13/09/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Reading
3
2
03/05/2025
League One League One
Reading
Barnsley
2
4
26/11/2024
League One League One
Barnsley
Reading
2
2
13/04/2024
League One League One
Barnsley
Reading
2
2
Last Results - Reading 
28/02/2026
League One League One
Reading
Bradford City
2
1
W
21/02/2026
League One League One
Port Vale
Reading
1
1
D
17/02/2026
League One League One
Reading
Bolton
1
1
D
14/02/2026
League One League One
Reading
Wycombe
3
2
W
10/02/2026
League One League One
Wigan
Reading
1
2
W
Last Results - Barnsley
03/03/2026
League One League One
Barnsley
Wycombe
0
1
L
28/02/2026
League One League One
Leyton Orient
Barnsley
1
3
W
21/02/2026
League One League One
Huddersfield
Barnsley
2
1
L
17/02/2026
League One League One
Barnsley
Peterborough
2
1
W
14/02/2026
League One League One
Barnsley
AFC Wimbledon
3
3
D
Where to watch Reading vs Barnsley
This is a huge game in League One which will have huge implications at the top of the table. As a result, it has been selected as part of the EFL TV schedule for this weekend. Here’s where to watch it.
- Location: Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, UK, RG2 0FL
- Channel: Sky Sports+ (subscription required)
- Date and time: 3pm UK time, Saturday 3rd May 2025
Probable lineups for Reading vs Barnsley
This is an interesting game in terms of team selection. Reading have plenty to play for, while Barnsley are already preparing for the next campaign. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Reading
Line up: J Pereira, T Rushesha, T Bindon, A Mbengue, A Garcia, L Wing, C Savage, H Knibbs, C Campbell, K Ehibhatiomhan, J Wareham
Injuries/suspensions: None
Coach: Noel Hunt
Barnsley
Line up: J Gauci, J Bland, M de Gevigney, C Barrett, C McCarthy, B Cotter, J Russell, L Connell, A Phillips, D Lembikisa, D Keillor Dunn
Injuries/suspensions: J Earl, M Roberts (injured)
Coach: Conor Hourihane
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