Match Preview: Reading vs Bolton Wanderers

Following on from the disappointing 3-1 defeat to local rivals Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers head to The Madejski Stadium to take on fellow strugglers Reading FC.

With just one win in their last ten games, Jaap Stam’s side have fallen into 18th place, level on points with Wanderers. The game holds huge importance for both sides. Not only do both sides need the points to push away from the relegation places, but both sides have poor records at home and away respectively.

Wanderers have only won once on the road, a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United in December. Meanwhile, Reading haven’t won at home since November. So this game is really set up to not be a classic.

Expect it to be a tense affair. This game, as with every game, could prove vital as to who gets relegated at the end of the season.

Wanderers’ last win at Reading was a decade ago, when goals from Kevin Nolan and Heidar Helguson sealed a 2-0 win. That win helped to keep Bolton in the Premier League, whilst Reading were relegated to The Championship.

Team News

Wanderers will have Mark Little and Karl Henry available again after sitting out the last few games due to suspensions. Meanwhile, Sammy Ameobi is expected to miss the game with a back injury. New signing Chinedu Obasi could make the bench, but judging by Phil Parkinson’s comments, probably won’t.

For Reading, John Swift, one time Wanderers trialist Mo Barrow and Sone Aluko could all return to the side.

Form

Reading - LLDDL

Bolton - LLWDL

Odds

Despite their poor home form, Reading are odds on for the win at 5/6. A Wanderers win comes in at 18/5, whilst a draw has odds of 12/5.

Match Prediction

It’s got a draw written all over it. 0-0.