Reading make the trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will keep them in the hunt for the final playoff spot in League One.
At a time when the visitors sit in seventh position in the table, the home side are 21st and in the relegation zone on goal difference.
Match preview
© Imago
In the early weeks of Inigo Calderon's reign, it appeared that Bristol Rovers had turned a corner and would secure another year in the third year relatively comfortably.
However, a disastrous run of form where they have accumulated just one point from eight games has left the club sitting in the relegation zone on goal difference.
With Burton Albion, the team above them, holding a match in hand, Bristol Rovers have reached a point where they can ill-afford defeat in this contest. Should they do so, they could be relegated before the final fixture.
Although the Pirates have not conceded more than twice in a single match since March 15, they have also gone eight games without scoring more than once in the same game.
Bristol Rovers' home form used to be their saviour, yet they head into their final encounter of 2024-25 at the Memorial Stadium having lost four home games in a row.
© Imago
As for Reading, the biggest news this week is that the EFL has granted an extension for a takeover of the club to be completed as soon as possible.
While it continues to be a distraction, Noel Hunt and his squad have worked wonders to stay in the playoff race, thrashing Mansfield Town by a 5-1 scoreline on away territory last time out.
That ended a two-game winless streak that could ultimately prove pivotal, Reading level on points with sixth-placed Leyton Orient but holding a nine-goal inferior goal difference.
The Royals head into this fixture with just six away wins from 22 attempts, yet three of those triumphs have come in their most recent six such contests.
Team News
© Imago
Calderon is likely to make changes to his Bristol Rovers attack with Isaac Hutchinson and Scott Sinclair both in contention.
However, with the last starting lineup having previously earned a draw at Wrexham, the defence and midfield could stay the same.
Barring any fitness issues, it is highly likely that Hunt will stick with the Reading side that cruised to victory at Mansfield.
Despite coming off the substitutes' bench to net the Royals' fifth goal, Billy Bodin should remain among the replacements.
Jayden Wareham scored a double in that fixture to end his 10-game goal drought, taking his tally for the season to five.
Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Ward; Moore, Wilson, Taylor; Hunt, Butcher, Sawyers, Thomas; Shaw, O'Donkor, Hutchinson
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Rushesha, Mbengue, Bindon, Garcia; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Wareham, Ehibhatiomhan
We say: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Reading
With a surprise draw at Wrexham on their record, Bristol Rovers will have a certain level of confidence heading into this fixture. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore that the stalemate was a rare positive, leading us to back Reading to battle their way to maximum points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
