Lincoln City vs Reading prediction, odds & betting tips 02/08/2025

Lincoln City will take on Reading on Saturday, 2 August, as the new League One season officially gets underway.

Both teams finished inside the top half of the division last season, but it was Reading who came closer to promotion as they finished just one place outside of the playoff positions.

Lincoln City, meanwhile, finished four places lower and were never really in the conversation for promotion.

As part of our opening round of League One betting tips, check out our Lincoln City vs Reading prediction.

Lincoln City vs Reading prediction: The hosts to kick off with a win

Key Stats

• Reading have failed to win their last three pre-season friendlies.
• Lincoln City have won their last two matches against Reading.
• Both teams have scored in all four of Lincoln City's pre-season friendlies.

Correct score prediction: Lincoln City 2-1 Reading

Lincoln City have had a brilliant pre-season and look like a better team than Reading as both sides head into the new campaign. What's more, the Imps have a brilliant recent record against the Royals, which makes them ideal opening day opponents, particularly on home soil.

Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts are only marginal favourites

• HOME: 1/1 (2.00) – 50%
• DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
• AWAY: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%

*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

The Lincoln City vs Reading odds are only slightly weighted in favour of the hosts, which has surprised me a little bit considering their contrasting fortunes over the summer. Ladbrokes have given Lincoln City a 50% chance of winning the match, while Reading have been given a 28.6% chance of picking up all three points.

Visit our latest football tips page for more free predictions.

Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Lincoln

As mentioned, Lincoln City have been excellent in recent meetings with Reading. The Imps are unbeaten in their last five matches against the Royals, in a run that stretches back to the 1990s. Last season, Lincoln City won 2-0 at home, before winning 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in April.

England League 1 18/04/25

Reading

0

Lincoln City

1

England League 1 21/12/24

Lincoln City

2

Reading

0

England League 1 06/04/24

Reading

1

Lincoln City

1

England League 1 16/12/23

Lincoln City

1

Reading

1

UK Friendlies 20/07/19

Lincoln City

1

Reading

0

Lincoln City preview: Running it back

While other clubs in the division have taken a severe approach this summer, changing their squads drastically, Lincoln City have chosen to largely keep things the same. The only changes they have made are at the back, with two defenders being signed. Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler are both expected to debutise on Saturday.

Predicted lineup: Wickens (GK), Darikwa, Bradley, Towler, Hamer, McGrandles, Hamilton, Hackett, House, Ring, Collins

England League 1 03/05/25

L

Wrexham

2

Lincoln City

0

England League 1 26/04/25

L

Stockport

3

Lincoln City

2

England League 1 21/04/25

W

Bolton

2

Lincoln City

4

England League 1 18/04/25

W

Reading

0

Lincoln City

1

England League 1 12/04/25

D

Shrewsbury

1

Lincoln City

1

Reading preview: Excitement about Premier League loanees

Although Reading are still in financial trouble off the pitch, they have managed to bring in several players via the loan market and free transfers. There is particular excitement about their two Premier League loan signings – Finley Burns from Manchester City and Mark O'Mahony from Brighton.

Predicted lineup: Pereira (GK), Yiadom, Burns, O'Connor, Garcia, Elliott, Wing, Knibbs, Rushesha, Kyerewaa, O'Mahony

England Premier League 10/05/25

W

Wolverhampton

0

Brighton

2

England Premier League 04/05/25

D

Newcastle

1

Brighton

1

England Premier League 26/04/25

W

West Ham

2

Brighton

3

England Premier League 19/04/25

L

Brentford

4

Brighton

2

England Premier League 12/04/25

D

Leicester

2

Brighton

2

Player to watch: Mark O'Mahony

Two seasons ago, Mark O'Mahony averaged more than one goal per game for Brighton under-21s, which saw the Irishman make a couple of appearances for the first team. Last season, he went out on loan to Portsmouth, but his tenure on the South Coast was disrupted by injuries. If O'Mahony can stay fit for Reading, then they could have a real player on their hands.