Northampton Town vs Reading Best odds and tips

Reading should have too much quality for Northampton Town to handle in Saturday’s League One clash. The Royals are sitting pretty in sixth place with 68 points in the league and their form has been better than the Cobblers of late. Noel Hunt’s men have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games and should be able to edge out a Northampton side who have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five.

Reading have won five, drawn seven and lost eight of their 20 away league matches this season, which makes them a little unpredictable on the road. But Northampton have been poor at home with six wins, five draws and nine defeats in 20 league matches, so Reading should be able to edge out a result. Hunt’s men like to control games through the midfield and can be a bit too patient at times, but they have the quality to unlock the stubborn Cobblers’ defence. Cobblers’ boss Kevin Nolan is a pragmatist who will set his side up to be solid at the back and try to nick a goal on the counter-attack. The visitors’ fluid forward play should be able to make the most of the space in behind the hosts, who have conceded 29 goals in 20 home games.

Northampton Town are 19th in the league with 46 points and are struggling to hold onto their League One status. Reading’s superior quality should see them through, but Northampton Town's fight for survival could make this an interesting game. Reading are available at 2.60 to win, which seems a bit generous given their superior position in the league and their better recent form. Harvey Knibbs is Reading’s top scorer in League One with 14 goals, but the Royals will need to be at their best to get the better of a determined Northampton side. Sam Hoskins has scored three of Northampton’s last five goals in the league and looks a good pick to score at any time. Cameron McGeehan is the Cobblers’ top scorer with nine goals in League One and he will also be a threat, but Reading to score first looks a good option in the markets.