Two huge games on either side of Easter Weekend

 

With the final international break out of the way, we’re into the final stretch of the season and Reading are pushing hard for a place in the playoffs. This clash against Barnsley is highly anticipated with both sides hoping to clinch a place in the top six of the Championship.

Barnsley’s resurgence saw them drive up the table and now sit one place above the Royals, two points to the good. Despite their recent push upwards, it is Reading who go into this match on slightly better form having drawn their last game. The Colliers had a shocking result in their last game as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday who sit one place off the bottom.

A Good Friday is needed for Reading

You’ll recall that Reading earned a point in the Hoops Derby before the break and three points now would show the Royals are ready to push forward on the home straight. Reading will need a brilliant Good Friday to beat Barnsley and the odds for an away victory are priced at 11/5 or 3/2.

Eight games remain so every single win is huge now. There are 24 points to play for in the trickiest part of the season. Teams at the bottom are desperate for points, while teams at the business end of the table need to assert themselves and grab each game by the scruff of the neck. The differences between this season and last for Reading are clear to see so ending on a high would be crucial.

It was back in round two when these sides last met, with Reading beating Barnsley 2-0 at the Madejski. Paunovic’s brand-new team enjoyed a terrific start to the season and they would love the same vibes this weekend. 

Easter Monday at the Madejski

The games are coming in thick and fast with Reading taking on Barnsley on Friday night before a Monday night fixture at home to Derby County. It’s the shortest possible of breaks but six points out of six would be the stuff of dreams. The Rams play Luton on Friday night, but have not won a game in their last seven outings. 

It was back on the opening day of the season when these two sides met, with Paunovic earning a debut win for his new club. The 2-0 away win was fantastic and kick started the Royals’ season. A repeat scoreline can be backed at 8/1 or 9.00.

Will it be two wins on the trot to set the tone for a Playoff push for Reading? Bring on a brilliant Easter weekend of football.