Stockport County vs Reading Prediction: Can Royals make it four on the bounce?

After just one win in their last eight league games, Stockport County have slipped out of the play-off places and are down to 12th in League 1. It will be a concern for manager Dave Challinor, who has enjoyed success after success at Edgeley Park in the last few years. A 2-1 defeat at Lincoln City was the latest bump in the road, and the Hatters will be desperate to get back to winning ways. 

Next up for County is a home game against Reading, who are once again silencing the doubters under Ruben Selles. They’ve climbed up to sixth after three wins on the bounce and now they will target another maximum on the road. Below you can find my Stockport County vs Reading predictions. 

Team News

Stockport manager Dave Challinor caused quite the stir at the weekend when he tactically substituted goalkeeper Corey Addai off for Ben Hinchcliffe at half-time. It has been confirmed that Addai was not injured, and Hinchcliffe then conceded to Bailey Cadamarteri in the second half to give Lincoln the victory.

It makes the decision on who starts in goal for this one a big one. If he permanently drops Addai that will be a major call, but there is no denying that his form has severely underperformed in the last two games. "We will have a discussion about who starts (in goal) on Tuesday, as to what gives us the best chance of winning on the night. I'm comfortable with that,” the manager said after the weekend. 

Football Odds

Midfielder Nick Powell picked up an injury against Lincoln and had to be withdrawn, with Challinor once again questioning his robustness for League 1 football. He is likely to miss out here with Oliver Norwood in line for a start. It feels unfortunate that Lewis Fiorini is being left on the bench at the moment, while Kyle Wootton could offer a different option up top. 

Reading are once again going to be without Andy Yiadom and Jeriel Dorsett for this one but Selles is likely to stick with the XI that has served him so well in recent weeks. Sam Smith found the winner against Bristol Rovers so will keep his place up front, with Ben Elliott, Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs making up a talented midfield. 

Stockport County vs Reading Odds

Stockport are priced at 4/5 to win this game, giving them an implied win probability of 55%, while Reading are available at 11/4. A draw can be backed at 5/2, over 2.5 goals is 8/11 and BTTS is 4/6. Louie Barry is the favourite to open the scoring at 9/2. 

Reading to win and BTTS @ 11/2

I was debating whether to back a draw here, but I feel there is excellent value in backing the Royals to come away with three points on this occasion. Let’s start with the BTTS part of the bet, which is fairly self explanatory. Stockport have a side packed full of attacking talent with the likes of Louie Barry, Isaac Olafoe and Wooton all capable of scoring goals. 

The Hatters have hit 17 so far this season, but Reading have notched 20 in their 12 league games, as Selles gets his idea of attacking football across to the players. I just think there is enough quality for the net to bulge at both ends on Tuesday night, so BTTS should come in. 

Meanwhile, I’ve plumped for Reading based on a number of reasons. First of all, Stockport’s goalkeeping situation from Saturday sends alarm bells ringing in my head. Addai is the better goalkeeper, but even if he gets put in now he will be low on confidence. Reading will want to test him from set pieces in particular, and I can see him or Hinchcliffe conceding a few at Edgeley Park. 

Reading have also proven themselves to be a capable threat over the past three games, hitting nine points since the return from the international break. They are now hunting down the top two and will be hoping to secure a statement win in Stockport. 

Bet Builder - Louie Barry and Sam Smith to score @ 7/1

A short and simple Bet Builder to round off our tips for this League 1 clash. I love Barry, he’s arguably my favourite player in the third tier this season and it's easy to back him to find the net, even if I think Stockport will lose this game. He’s scored seven in 12 this season in the league and Reading’s clean sheet last time out was their first in eight outings. 

Meanwhile for the Royals, Sam Smith is their most dangerous threat. He’s ‘not the only one’, but he has scored two in his last three games and is now up to five league goals for the season. He’s unlikely to hit an ‘unholy’ amount of goals this season, but he should be into double figures come the New Year. The ‘writing is on the wall’ for us here, so let’s ‘pray’ that Smith can score again.

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.