A great result against Burton Albion has put Reading into the playoffs for the first time this year! Kamari Doyle’s banger cancelled out George Evans’ wonder goal and then Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan got the winner in the 88th minute, sending Reading into the top six.
The performance itself was actually a poor one. Comparing it to games we have lost this season, we probably didn’t deserve to win this one.
But now comes the most important match of the season. A win for either side, for me, decides who gets
into the playoffs.
Stevenage lost 1-0 to Plymouth Argyle in midweek, meaning the race for the playoff places goes down to 10th spot, with the gap between 10th (Plymouth) and fifth (Stockport County) being only three points. Everything is tight and the Royals need a win in this one to solidify that they are in the fight to go up.
The head-to-head between the sides is in Reading’s favour, with the Royals winning five, drawing three and losing two in. The last encounter was a 1-0 win, with Charlie Savage getting the goal in the fourth minute and nothing else really happening.
In this preview I will give predictions for the next five fixtures, which will be crucial in the playoff fight, and I will give my predictions for this game.
What? League One matchday 39
Season? 2025/26
Who? Stevenage
Where? Stevenage FC Stadium
When? Saturday March 21
Time? 15:00
Opposition manager? Alex Revell
The next five games
Reading’s next five fixtures are:
- Stevenage (A)
- Wigan Athletic (H) – although this match falls on an international weekend so could be moved
- Huddersfield Town (A)
- Lincoln City (H)
- Doncaster Rovers (A)
I think the Royals will pick up eight points in these matches. I don’t know if this is going to be enough.
The Royals will pick up a point against Stevenage, a win against Wigan, a draw against Huddersfield, a loss against Lincoln and a win against Doncaster.
These are five tough games, but with the news of Daniel Kyerewaa being back in training, we may even get more points than I think.
He will be a crucial part of the charge.
My predictions
Joel Pereira will start in goal.
Andy Yiadom, Paudie O’Connor, Benn Ward and Jeriel Dorsett will be the defence.
Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Kamari Doyle will be the midfield.
Will Keane, Paddy Lane and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan will be the attack.
Score prediction: 1-1
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
