Reading vs Blackpool Prediction: Blackpool need series of wins to get out of relegation zone

On Saturday afternoon in the Championship, Reading will aim to return to their winning form as they host Blackpool, who are currently struggling. Reading had a loss in their previous match against Cardiff City, while Blackpool also lost their last game at Ewood Park, further reducing their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Reading’s Form

Last weekend's second-tier fixtures were kicked off by Reading, who travelled to South Wales for a Friday night game under the lights. However, Paul Ince's team struggled throughout the match and was outplayed by their opponents, the Bluebirds. Despite dominating the game, it took until the 91st minute for Cardiff to score the winning goal, which came from former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Romaine Sawyers. As a result of this defeat, Reading fell to 16th place in the Championship standings, having accumulated 41 points from 32 matches. However, they still have a 10-point lead over the bottom three. This weekend, Reading will be playing at home, where they are undefeated in their last five matches across all competitions. The team, led by Andy Carroll, will be looking to secure a victory and move up into the top half of the table.

Reading’s possible starting lineup

Lumley; Mbengue, Dann, Sarr; Hoilett, Fornah, Ndiaye, McIntyre, Guinness-Walker; Azeez, Carroll

Blackpool’s Form

Blackpool couldn't secure consecutive victories in the Championship as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. The away team didn't manage to create any goal-scoring opportunities, while Tyrhys Dolan scored the only goal of the game for Rovers in the 31st minute, beating Blackpool's Chris Maxwell. Despite the challenges that Mick McCarthy knew he would face when taking over as manager at Bloomfield Road, the team still has a good chance of avoiding relegation. Currently, Blackpool is one of three teams at the bottom of the second-tier table with 31 points, and Cardiff, who are in 21st place, are four points ahead of the relegation zone with 13 matches remaining.

Blackpool’s predicted lineup

Maxwell; Gabriel, Connolly, Nelson, Thompson; Patino, Dougall, Poveda, Carey, Rogers; Lavery

Reading vs Blackpool expert tips

Reading has performed considerably better in their home games than in their away games this season, and they aim to maintain this form when they face Blackpool on Saturday. Blackpool has been one of the weakest teams in terms of away games so far, and they are unlikely to be favoured to win the game. We expect a Reading win in this game. Our forecast for the number of goals is expected to be less than 2.5.