Reading vs Burnley Prediction – With Burnley already promoted, Reading will be looking to seal their top flight return  

Had Burnley not been promoted in recent weeks, this game might have been incredibly important. However, as things stand, Burnley are set to move into the Premier League next season thanks to their second place finish. A playoff spot looms for Reading, though it is not done and dusted yet. Having players with top flight experience could prove to be the difference against one of the strongest teams in the league and the Royals will be banking on a post-promotion hang over for their Northern rivals. The two will line up in a similar fashion, both with two banks of four and a pair of strikers. While the names on the Reading team sheet much have a little more cache, it is Burnley’s unknown’s which have been more impressive as of late.

Form

Reading seem set on a playoff position. Not only will they need to secure their fifth or sixth place spot in order to earn it, but they will need to carry some sort of form into their playoff matches. This seems to be the case, with two recent wins both cementing their top six finish and building a head of steam for the more difficult matches ahead. With their rivals close behind, every point could be vital and Reading will need to attack in order to win.

Burnley, however, are a different story. While Reading’s main aims lie ahead, theirs has already been achieved. With second place secure, the players are sure to realise that their goals have been accomplished and that they will be playing in the top division this time next year. With first place unattainable, the players will be looking to prove that they are fit to start with the very best next season. Whether this is enough to overcome the fact they have little to play for in the remaining games is yet to be seen.

Team News

With two goals in his last game, Reading will be placing a lot of hope on their striker Pogrebnyak. Despite flattering to deceive at times this season, he has formed a decent enough partnership with Adam Le Fondre and the partnership could be vital when it comes to getting goals. Nigel Adkins has described his side as being ‘decimated’ with injuries at times this season, though the return of the first choice striker will be a blessing as they look to move towards the playoffs.

Burnley have benefited this season from a small squad who have remained relatively fit. Able to form partnerships across the pitch and develop an understanding, it remains to be seen whether Burnley have the strength in depth to rotate and still get results. But with their promotion secured, it could well be time for the manager to give a bit of game time to some of the lesser used players and trying to predict the line up could be tough. With no fresh concerns, it could be a case of simply lining up the same players in order to assess them before their Premier League bow.

Reading

P45 W19 D13 L13

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Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): McCarthy; Gunter, Morrison, Pearce, Obita; Mcleary, Leigertwood, Akpan, McAnuff; Pogrebnyak, Le Fondre.

Burnley

P45 W26 D14 L05

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Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee; Kightly, Jones, Marney, Arfield; Barnes, Ings

Prediction: Reading 3 – 2 Burnley

With Reading needing a win and Burnley’s players needing to prove their worth, there could be goals in this top of the table clash.