Two teams at opposing ends of the League One table will come together on Tuesday as playoff-hunting Reading host relegation-threatened Exeter City.
The hosts are ninth in the table with 53 points, three points outside the playoff places, while the visitors are 19th with 36 points, three above the drop zone.
Match preview
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Reading, following their relegation from the Championship in 2022-23, had a disastrous 2023-24 campaign, finishing 17th in League One.
However, the Royals are enjoying a significantly improved 2024-25 season, currently sitting ninth in the standings after 33 games played.
They have recorded 15 wins, eight draws and 10 defeats in those matches, leaving them with 53 points, just three points outside the playoff spots.
Reading will be looking to secure all three points and potentially move into the top six depending on results elsewhere, and their recent form should give them confidence of recording the win here.
The Royals have won three and drawn three of their last six, while Exeter City have won just one of their past nine across all competitions.
That run of results sums up Exeter's 2024-25 campaign, as they currently find themselves in the battle against relegation from League One.
Gary Caldwell's side are 19th in the league standings with 36 points from 32 games, after 10 wins, six draws and 16 losses, meaning they hold only a three point lead over 21st-placed Burton Albion.
Exeter's chances of survival could be boosted if they win here, as they hold a game in hand on those around them, but they have defeated Reading just once in the last five meetings, with four defeats in that time.
Team News
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Reading came from behind to defeat Wigan Athletic 2-1 in their most recent game, and Hunt could start a similar side as a result here.
Top scorer Harvey Knibbs is expected to start in midfield, alongside the impressive duo of Lewis Wing and Charlie Savage.
As for Exeter City, Jack McMillan is unlikely to feature after coming off with an injury in their last match, meaning Ilmari Niskanen may start.
Elsewhere, a similar team to the one that came from behind to record an important 1-1 draw against Northampton Town could start in this one.
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Rushesha, Mbengue, Bindon, Garcia; Savage, Wing, Knibbs; Bodin, Wareham, Camara
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Whitworth; Niskanen, MacDonald, Hartridge, Purrington; Mitchell, Woods, Aitchison, Yogane; Trevitt, Magennis
We say: Reading 2-0 Exeter City
Reading may have struggled in their recent matches, but the hosts will be strong favourites against relegation battling Exeter, and we expect the Royals to win this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
