Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who will open the 2025/26 campaign looking to mount their own respective play-off charges, Lincoln will welcome Reading to Sincil Bank on Saturday afternoon.
Lincoln City
Starting with the hosts, eventually finishing the 2024/25 campaign sat 17 points adrift of the play-off places, Lincoln spent large spells of last season almost sat in League One limbo. Mustering consecutive victories on just a single occasion since the end of January, Michael Skubala’s men know that stability is key this time around. Looking to make an early statement on Saturday afternoon, the Imps will be excited to make a return to Sincil Bank this weekend. Despite finishing last season with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Wrexham, that was the only defeat that Lincoln suffered from any of their final seven showdowns in front of their own supporters. Drawing a line under their summer preparations with an action-packed 4-2 win against Championship outfit West Brom, the former Leeds coach is dreaming of a genuine play-off charge this year.
Lincoln City Team News
Both completing their own respective summer switches to Lincolnshire, the duo of Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler should start at the heart of Skubala’s defence this weekend. Signing off his pre-season preparations with a brace against West Brom last weekend, 21-year-old Jovon Makama will feature.
Still dealing with long-term injury issue continuing on from last season, former Gillingham midfielder Dom Jefferies remains on the sidelines and will play no part on Saturday afternoon.
Reading
As for the visitors, suffering real heartbreak last season as they eventually finished three points adrift of clinching a lucrative play-off spot, the Royals are desperate to go one-step further this time around. With Noel Hunt’s side making it clear that a top-six finish is their main priority, Saturday’s guests have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. Despite signing off the 2024/25 campaign with a frantic 4-2 loss at home against Barnsley, the Berkshire-based outfit did gain a reputation for their success away from the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Including a sensational 5-1 romp away at Mansfield on April 21st, Reading notched 10 points from their final four League One showdowns on the road. Likewise, Hunt’s play-off dreamers have suffered just a single defeat on their travels since the end of January.
Reading Team News
While there might have been some concern over number-one goalkeeper Joel Pereira heading into Saturday’s League One opener, the one-time Manchester United youngster will start between the sticks.
Completing a free transfer from Lincoln this summer, Irish defender Paudie O’Connor should feature against his former club here. Notching 14 League One strikes last season and claiming Reading’s Golden Boot, ex-Aston Villa academy star Harvey Knibbs will lead the line on Saturday afternoon.
Lincoln City vs Reading Key Factors to Consider
- Lincoln won both of their League One showdowns against Reading last season by an aggregate score of 3-0.
- In fact, Lincoln have lost just one of their previous eight meetings against the Royals across all competitions.
- Lincoln lost just one of their final seven appearances at Sincil Bank last season.
- Reading registered 10 points from their final four League One appearances on the road last season.
- All of the last six meetings between Lincoln and Reading have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Winning their two League One meetings against Reading last season by an aggregate score of 3-0, Lincoln do hold what is a dominant record against Saturday’s guests. Losing just one of their previous eight straight meetings against the Royals across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to 1998 – Skubala’s side will be confident of making an opening weekend statement here. However, despite being pencilled in as a standout contender this weekend, Reading will be excited by their extended success on the road. Mustering 10 points from their final four matchups outside of Berkshire last season, they are more than capable of springing an upset here.
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
