Reading vs Ipswich Town: Match Preview

The final home game of the season is soon upon us with Reading facing a nervy relegation scrap before the curtain falls. Paul Clement’s men know they hold their Championship status in their hands as a victory on Saturday WILL SECURE our Championship status.

Ipswich arrive manager-less after Mick McCarthy infamously walked out on them after a press interview a few weeks ago. The Tractor Boys are in a dire run of form so could see Reading as an opportunity to rebuild for next year. However, they will face a home crowd that will be behind the Royals - perhaps most notably in the South Stand.

Hopefully Reading can end this nightmare season in some style - otherwise they risk needing points off promotion-chasing Cardiff City on the final day.

Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Reading

Form (all competitions): LWLDL

Reading have no fresh injury concerns but could welcome back on-loan centre back Tommy Elphick who has missed most of his Royals campaign through injury. The suspended Tyler Blackett, who starts his ban, could be replaced by Omar Richards at left back.

The Royals will look to ease their relegation woes knowing a win will keep them safe which could prompt the manager to put an attacking side out. Joseph Mendes could make a late push for the squad after narrowly missing out at Sheffield Wednesday.

Top goalscorers: Jon Dadi Bödvarrson & Mo Barrow, 10 (all competitions)

Ipswich Town

Form (all competitions): DLWLL

Ipswich travel to the Mad Stad with a number of players who are nursing injuries, unwell or filling in for suspended players. Notable potential absentees include midfielders Luke Hyam and Cole Skuse who will be assessed just before the squads are announced. Grant Ward is serving a ban after picking up a straight red in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

The Tractor Boys have only picked up one win this month - at home to relegation threatened Barnsley. However, they have not away from home since March 6 against Sheffield Wednesday. This poor run of form put immense strain on Mick McCarthy’s job at the club, culminating in him resigning on April 10.

While they sit a respectable 14^th place in the table, they are a side desperate for a win to change the negative atmosphere surrounding their club. Ipswich fans will hope a new manager and squad in the summer will get them back to a position of challenging for the top six.

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Top goalscorer: Martyn Waghorn 14

What do the stats say?

• The Royals have won their last six home games against Ipswich.
• Ipswich are yet to do the double over Reading since 2008 but did beat the Royals earlier in the season 2-0.
• Under Paul Clement, Reading are unbeaten at home with one draw and two wins.

How can I follow the game?

Audio coverage is on BBC Radio Berkshire at 104.4, but not available online. Coverage is also available on the EFL iFollow service but no video coverage will be streaming the game. Full match highlights will be available on the app after the game.

Reading Football Club will post highlights of the game on their respected social media pages and YouTube channel.

Prediction: Reading 2-1 Ipswich