Reading vs Exeter City: Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups
Reading is set to host Exeter City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday evening. Currently, Reading holds the 13th position in the League One standings, trailing the playoff spots by six points. In contrast, Exeter City sits in 10th place, just ahead of Reading due to a superior goal difference.
Match Preview: Reading vs Exeter City
Reading ended a five-match unbeaten streak over the festive season and is now without a win in their last two outings. Their last match resulted in a 2-2 draw against Barnsley, where debutant Haydon Roberts opened the scoring. However, Reading witnessed a late equalizer from Jack Marriott after goals from David McGoldrick and Adam Phillips put Barnsley in front. Marriott has been a key player for the Royals, netting 10 league goals in 16 appearances since joining from Wrexham this summer.
Historically, Reading has an advantage over Exeter, losing only once to them. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw earlier this season at St James Park.
Exeter City’s Form
Exeter City has been impressive, securing six wins in their last nine league games since December. They recently achieved a 3-1 victory against Port Vale, with goals from Carlos Mendes Gomes, Jayden Wareham, and Timur Tutierov. The Grecians are now four positions below the playoff spots and boast the league’s joint-best defensive record, conceding just 24 goals in 26 matches. Wareham has also made a significant impact, scoring in three consecutive games and netting a total of 10 league goals this season.
Recent Form Overview
- Reading League One Form: WDWWLD
- Exeter City League One Form: LWWDWW
Team News
Reading may feature new signing Ryan Nyambe in the starting lineup after a commendable performance as a substitute against Barnsley. Andy Yiadom is likely to move to the bench. Marriott will remain central to the attack, supported by midfielders Lewis Wing and Charlie Savage.
Exeter City is expected to maintain their winning lineup from the Port Vale match, with Wareham and Mendes Gomes set to lead the attack. The defensive lineup consists of Pierce Sweeney, Jack Fitzwater, and Luca Woodhouse, with Ilmari Niskanen and Liam Oakes functioning as wing-backs.
Predicted Lineups
| Reading | Exeter City |
|---|---|
| Pereira; Nyambe, O’Connor, Dorsett, Roberts; Savage, Wing; Lane, Doyle, Kyerewaa; Marriott | Whitworth; Sweeney, Fitzwater, Woodhouse; Niskanen, Brierley, Aitchison, Doyle-Hayes, Oakes; Wareham, Mendes Gomes |
Match Prediction
Considering Exeter’s current form and Reading’s historical success against them, a draw seems likely. Our prediction stands at Reading 1, Exeter City 1. Both teams will strive for points as they navigate the competitive landscape of League One.
