MX23RW : Friday, May 16 02:10:53| >> :600:1193737:1193737:
[monks data]
Reading logo
League One | Gameweek 30
Feb 1, 2025 at 3pm UK
Select Car Leasing Stadium
Bolton logo

Reading
1 - 0
Bolton

Knibbs (89' pen.)
Craig (82')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Thomason (74'), Southwood (89'), Toal (90+7')

Preview: Reading vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Reading and Bolton Wanderers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Reading and Bolton Wanderers square off on Saturday afternoon with both clubs battling to remain in contention for the League One playoffs.

At a time when the Royals have dropped down to 10th place in the table, Bolton are seventh having reacted positively to the departure of Ian Evatt.


Match preview

Reading manager Noel Hunt on December 7, 2024© Imago

Across the Christmas and New Year period, there were signs that Noel Hunt was the perfect successor to Ruben Selles as three successive wins were posted.

However, Reading have since lost four games in a row, starting with an FA Cup defeat to Burnley and continuing in the league.

Eight goals have been shipped in defeats to Stockport County, Leyton Orient and Burton Albion, the first two losses coming against playoff rivals.

Hunt then witnessed his side fight back to get back on level terms with Burton before conceding a 90th-minute winner, resulting in the Royals dropping down to 10th spot.

On their worst run of the season, Reading are now attempting to move level on points with their seventh-placed opponents in what feels like a potentially-pivotal contest.

Bolton Wanderers' Aaron Collins celebrates on January 25, 2025© Imago

As far as Bolton are concerned, caretaker manager Julian Darby has instigated an upturn in mood at the club after the exit of Evatt.

The club legend has overseen victories over Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town to kickstart Bolton's bid to earn a playoff place.

Before the change in the dugout, Bolton had not won successive matches in the third tier since October, and the decision has been made to keep Darby in charge for this contest.

Bolton have put together one of the best away records in the division, accumulating 20 points from their 13 fixtures, while two of their six victories have come in their last three such outings.

Reading League One form:


Reading form (all competitions):


Bolton Wanderers League One form:


Bolton Wanderers form (all competitions):



Team News

Reading's Andre Garcia on November 26, 2024© Imago

Kelvin Abrefa and Mamadi Camara are both options to be recalled by Hunt having initially helped Reading get back on level terms versus Burton.

Seventeen-year-old defender Andre Garcia is among those who could drop out as Hunt tries to instigate a change in fortunes.

Meanwhile, Darby may see no reason to tinker with a team that got the better of Northampton in midweek.

Nevertheless, Joel Randall has put himself in contention for a recall in midfield, the recent addition from Peterborough United chipping in with an assist as a substitute in the previous game.

Josh Dacres-Cogley is an alternative at right wing-back if Darby wishes to introduce fresh legs.


Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Craig, Dean, Bindon, Abrefa; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Smith, Ehibhatiomhan

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Jones, Forrester, Johnston; Osei-Tutu, Morley, Sheehan, Thomason, Schon; Collins, Adeboyejo


SM words green background

We say: Reading 2-2 Bolton Wanderers

With Bolton currently on a high ahead of eventually appointing a new manager, they are the clear favourites for this contest. However, we feel Reading could benefit from being the underdogs to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining tussle.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:564305:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11822:
Written by
Darren Plant

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Reading vs Bolton

Reading
41.7%
Draw
29.2%
Bolton Wanderers
29.2%
24
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Reading's Andre Garcia on November 26, 2024
Read Next:
"Don't believe everything you read" - Southampton receive Andre Garcia update
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CBirmingham CityBirmingham463493843153111
3Stockport CountyStockport462512972423087
4Charlton AthleticCharlton4625101167432485
5Wycombe WanderersWycombe4624121070452584
6Leyton Orient462461672482478
7Reading4621121368571175
8Bolton WanderersBolton46208186770-368
9Blackpool4617161372601267
10Huddersfield TownHuddersfield46197205855364
11Lincoln CityLincoln461613176456861
12Barnsley461710196973-461
13Rotherham UnitedRotherham461611195459-559
14Stevenage461512194250-857
15Wigan AthleticWigan461317164042-256
16Exeter CityExeter461511204965-1656
17Mansfield TownMansfield46159226073-1354
18Peterborough UnitedPeterborough461312216881-1351
19Northampton TownNorthampton461215194866-1851
20Burton Albion461114214966-1747
RCrawley TownCrawley461210245783-2646
RBristol Rovers46127274476-3243
RCambridge UnitedCambridge46911264573-2838
RShrewsbury TownShrewsbury4689294179-3833


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!