Reading FC Play-Off Permutations

For the past two seasons, when Reading FC and permutations have been mentioned in the same sentence, it has been a discussion about when we can mathematically be safe from relegation.

But for the last couple of weeks, we have been able to talk about what results are needed for the Royals to secure a play-off spot, something which was finally achieved with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

This means that our final permutations update of the season can be spent speculating about where Jaap Stam's side will finish in the Championship table come 2pm on Sunday afternoon. We know that one of Reading, Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield will finish 3rd, 4th or 5th, whilst barring a crazy result in Leeds' clash with Wigan, Fulham will finish 6th.

This weekend's fixtures see Reading travel to Burton, Sheffield Wednesday host Fulham and Huddersfield are at home to Cardiff. So, let's work this out...

Reading will finish third if:

• They beat Burton Albion.
• They draw with Burton Albion and Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield both fail to win.
• They lose to Burton Albion by just one goal, Huddersfield draw and Sheffield Wednesday lose.
• They lose to Burton Albion and Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield both also lose.

Reading will finish fourth if:

• They draw with Burton Albion and either Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield drop points.
• They lose to Burton Albion by more than one goal, Huddersfield draw and Sheffield Wednesday lose.
• They lose to Burton Albion by just one goal, Huddersfield draw and Sheffield Wednesday at least draw.
• They lose to Burton Albion and either Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield lose with the other at least drawing.

Reading will finish fifth if:

• They fail to beat Burton Albion and Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield both win.
• They lose to Burton by more than one goal, Huddersfield draw and Sheffield Wednesday at least draw.
• They lose to Burton Albion, Huddersfield win and Sheffield Wednesday draw.

Got all that?! You can also find out when Reading will be playing their play-off semi-final legs based on their final position, after the EFL released the dates on Tuesday.

What position do you think Reading will finish in this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.