Preview: Reading vs. Bolton Wanderers – prediction, team news, lineups.
By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter Published on January 30, 2025 | 13:30
Reading and Bolton Wanderers will compete for League One playoff spots on Saturday.
Bolton have risen to seventh position in the standings after Ian Evatt’s departure, while the Royals have plummeted to 10th.
During the Christmas and New Year season, Noel Hunt demonstrated his potential as a successor to Ruben Selles by winning three consecutive races.
Reading has subsequently lost four games in a row, beginning with an FA Cup loss to Burnley and continuing in the league.
Eight goals have been conceded in defeats against Stockport County, Leyton Orient, and Burton Albion, with the first two coming against playoff opponents.
Hunt then seen his team come back to draw level with Burton before surrendering a 90th-minute winner, sending the Royals to 10th place.
Reading are currently on their worst run of the season and are seeking to draw level on points with their seventh-place opponents in what appears to be a potentially vital match.
Bolton’s temporary manager, Julian Darby, has improved the club’s attitude following Evatt’s departure.
The club legend oversaw victory against Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town, kicking off Bolton’s quest for a playoff spot.
Before the change in the dugout, Bolton had not won consecutive third-tier matches since October, and the decision was taken to keep Darby in charge for this game.
Bolton has one of the better away records in the league, with 20 points from 13 games, and two of their six triumphs have come in their previous three.
Hunt may recall Kelvin Abrefa and Madi Camara, who originally helped Reading equalize against Burton.
Andre Garcia, a 17-year-old defender, may withdraw as Hunt aims to improve the team’s results.
Meanwhile, Darby may see no cause to change the lineup that defeated Northampton in midweek.
Joel Randall, a recent signing from Peterborough United, has made a strong case for a midfield return after contributing an assist as a substitute in the last game.
Darby might consider Josh Dacres-Cogley as a right wing-back replacement.
Possible starting lineup: Pereira; Craig, Dean, Bindon, Abrefa; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Smith, and Ehibhatiomhan.
Bolton Wanderers’ likely starting lineup: Southwood; Jones, Forrester, Johnston; Osei-Tutu, Morley, Sheehan, Thomason, Schon; Collins, Adeboyejo.
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