Northampton vs Reading Prediction

Right then, let's talk about this League One clash. Northampton are down in 22nd, having a right old struggle, while Reading are sitting pretty in 13th, looking comfortable. On paper, you'd fancy the Royals, but football's not played on paper, is it?

Northampton's form is the big worry. Four league losses on the bounce, including a 2-1 defeat to bottom-half Rotherham and a 5-1 pasting at Burton. They've only won two of their last ten, and one of those was in the EFL Trophy. The positive? At home, they still know where the net is, scoring two a game on average in their last four at Sixfields. They battered Walsall 4-2 in the cup and put three past AFC Wimbledon. The problem is, they can't keep 'em out, conceding nearly two a game overall.

Reading are a tough nut to crack. They've lost just twice in ten, and they're the draw specialists – four of their last five have ended all square, including 2-2 with Exeter and Barnsley. They've also shown they can turn it on, smashing Plymouth 4-1 away and beating Stockport at home. They're inconsistent on the road, but they usually find a goal, averaging 1.2 away from home.

When these two met earlier in the season, Reading nicked it 1-0. History says Reading have the upper hand, winning three of the last five. Northampton's home record against them isn't bad though – a win and a draw from two.

So, what's gonna happen? Northampton will come out fighting at home, they need the points. They'll have a go. Reading are solid and will fancy their chances against a leaky defence. I can see both teams having their moments and both finding the back of the net.

Key Points:

Northampton are in dire league form (L4 in a row) but score goals at home (2.0 per game).

Reading are hard to beat (W4 D4 L2 in last 10) but draw a lot of games.

Both teams have scored in 60% of each side's last ten matches.

Head-to-head favours Reading, but Northampton are unbeaten at home against them.

• The market odds for Both Teams to Score - Yes (1.93) look generous given the attacking trends and defensive vulnerabilities on show.

In summary, I fancy goals at both ends. Northampton will be desperate and should score, but Reading have the quality to hurt them. The value shout here is backing both teams to find the net.