- Reading have three wins and two defeats in their last five matches but come into this on the back of consecutive defeats to Thame United and Cambridge United.
- Notts County have won one, drawn three and lost one of their last five but sit 16th in League One 2026/2027, level on points with Reading.
Reading set the pace while Magpies follow
Reading are the favourites at 21/25 to beat Notts County, who are 3/1 for the away win and the draw is 53/20 in the early odds for Saturday's game at Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Magpies have been solid if unspectacular since Martin Paterson took charge on 22 June 2025, taking the 16th spot in League One 2026/2027, albeit on the same points as Saturday's hosts who sit 14th. Notts County are unbeaten away in League One 2026/2027 with three draws in three away games and have scored four goals on the road, but it hasn't been explosive form so much as steady.
Reading are the team with some momentum right now after Leam Richardson has steadied the ship since taking over on 28 October 2025. He has set up the Royals to be a possession-based, structure-first team that likes to control games and score when they can, although they have conceded five goals in three home matches in 2026-27 (W2, L1).
Both teams to score is the live bet
Both teams to score at 13/20 looks a live option here as Reading are not a team to be relied upon for an out-and-out home win. Over 2.5 goals at 77/100 also seems to fit the feel of this game as both outfits can be open at times.
Notts County have been a shapeshifting side this season with a lot of flexibility in the system which allows Paterson to make them a bit more difficult to prepare for on a weekly basis. The Magpies are direct through the wide channels and capable of pressing when required.
Reading's Jack Marriott has been the most likely threat this term with five goals in four games, a club-best return that has put him at the top of the scoring charts in League One. Notts County have been more balanced in their approach but Oliver Cooper has been their livewire with three goals in six games, including three of the six Magpies goals they have scored in the last five games.
Reading have a rhythm
Reading's last home game was a 3-1 League One win over Blackpool and they can get their rhythm back in time to defeat Notts County at home. But the away side are unbeaten on the road and there is enough of a feeling about this match to make it seem live, so I will avoid the win bets and back a draw in the correct score market.
A 2-2 result also appeals in this spot as Reading are more likely to win but Notts County are a decent side on the counter and should have enough quality to grab a goal or two.
