Bolton will take on Reading on Wednesday, 20 August, in a League One clash between two teams who haven't started the new season particularly well.
The hosts have been inconsistent so far, picking up four points from a possible nine, but they have certainly been better than Reading, who are rock bottom after three losses in three matches.
Can the Royals pick up their first points of the season on Wednesday night, or will Bolton move on to seven points? Check out our Bolton vs Reading prediction below.
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Bolton vs Reading prediction: More misery ahead for the Royals
Key Stats
- Bolton have scored six goals across their last three competitive matches, at an average of two goals per game.
- Bolton have scored ten goals across their last two home matches against Reading.
- More than two goals have been scored in three of the last four matches between Bolton and Reading.
Correct score prediction: Bolton 2-1 Reading
Bolton have an excellent recent home record against Reading, and given how poorly the Royals have started the season, there is no reason to believe this will change on Wednesday. Reading have scored three goals across their last two matches, though, so a battering to nil also shouldn't be expected.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bolton start as favourites
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Bolton vs Reading odds are weighted in favour of the home team, which shouldn't come as a shock to anyone who has followed Reading's struggles in recent times. Ladbrokes have made Bolton the odds-on selection, giving them a 62.5% chance of winning the match, while Reading have been given just a 20% chance of glory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A match for the hosts
Bolton and Reading have played in the same division since 2023, and across the four league meetings in that time span, all four have been won by whichever team were playing at home. That is a good sign for Bolton, particularly as the aggregate score across the two most recent H2Hs at the Tough Sheet Community Stadium is 10-4.
England League 1 01/02/25
Reading
Bolton
England League 1 21/09/24
Bolton
Reading
England League 1 01/04/24
Bolton
Reading
England League 1 16/09/23
Reading
Bolton
England Championship 29/01/19
Bolton
Reading
Bolton preview: Five missing
Bolton will be without five first-team players for the match against Reading this week, with Richard Taylor, Sam Dalby, Kyle Dempsey, William Forrester and Victor Adebyoyejo all in the treatment room. After drawing at the weekend, changes will be made due to the short turnaround and indidfferent performance.
Predicted lineup: Sharman-Lowe (GK), Conway, Johnston, Coal, Dacres-Cogley, Simons, Sheehan, Gale, Randall, Cozier-Duberry, Burstow
England League 1 03/05/25
D
Stevenage
1
Bolton
1
England League 1 26/04/25
D
Peterborough
1
Bolton
1
England League 1 21/04/25
L
Lincoln City
4
Bolton
2
England League 1 18/04/25
L
Wycombe
2
Bolton
0
England League 1 12/04/25
L
Barnsley
4
Bolton
1
Reading preview: Hunt's credit won't last forever
While Noel Hunt deserves immense credit for the job he did last season while the club were on the brink of collapse, this is football, and things are often forgotten quickly. If he is to turn things around this week, then he will do so without Abraham Jeriel, Andy Yiadom and Richard Dorsett with the trio all out injured.
Predicted lineup: Pereira (GK), Jacob, Burns, Stickland, Ahmend, Savage, Wing, Fraser, Garcia, Ehibhatiomhan, Kyerewaa
England League 1 03/05/25
L
Barnsley
4
Reading
2
England League 1 26/04/25
W
Bristol Rovers
0
Reading
2
England League 1 21/04/25
W
Mansfield
1
Reading
5
England League 1 18/04/25
L
Lincoln City
1
Reading
0
England League 1 12/04/25
D
Northampton
0
Reading
0
Player to watch: Mason Burstow
Bolton Wanderers will be hoping for a big performance from Mason Burstow on Wednesday night as the former Hull man continues to settle into life at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The 22-year-old did score on his last appearance at the stadium, which should give him great confidence coming into the clash with Reading.