Reading face Barnsley in a matchup between two inconsistent sides seeking stability in League One. As the two teams seem to be evenly matched at the moment, our prediction leans toward a 2-2 draw. The Royals suffered a 3-1 defeat at Leyton Orient last time out, but there are no fresh injury concerns, allowing Ruben Selles to keep faith in a team that has recorded 50% wins overall and an impressive 2.00 points per game at home. Reading average 2.60 goals per match at home, scoring 1.60 and conceding 1.00, while producing 1.36 expected goals on home soil. Their defensive record at home—40% clean sheets—gives them a solid base.
The Tykes, meanwhile, continue to struggle for rhythm and head into Saturday's game without key midfielder Luca Connell, who still has to serve his suspension. The visitors have taken just 1.00 points per game overall and only 0.67 away, scoring 0.67 goals per away outing while conceding 2.67. Their defensive issues are highlighted by just 17% away clean sheets and 1.88 xGA on the road.
Recent meetings slightly favour Reading, who have won 11 of 26 H2Hs, with 58% BTTS across those games. As both sides show 60% BTTS overall, we are tempted to bet on Both Teams to Score, alongside Half-Time Draw and Draw.
This League 1 match will be played on Saturday 24 January 2026 at 15:00.
What is our Reading vs Barnsley prediction?
Our prediction for this match: Reading 2 - 2 Barnsley
Reading vs Barnsley Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 2-2
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS): Yes
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals
- Anytime Goalscorer: Jack Marriott @ 150 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 4.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Over 4.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 9.5
- Total Corners: 9 - 11 @ 160 Odds
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View OfferReading Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wdwwl | 1.70 |
| Home | dlwww | 2.00 |
| Away | wlwdl | 1.40 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 50% | 60% | 40% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.90 | 2.60 | 3.20 |
| Scored | 1.70 | 1.60 | 1.80 |
| Conceded | 1.20 | 1.00 | 1.40 |
| BTTS | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Clean Sheets | 30% | 40% | 20% |
| Failed to Score | 10% | 0% | 20% |
| Expected Goals | 1.26 | 1.36 | 1.16 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.30 | 1.08 | 1.53 |
Barnsley Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | lldlw | 1.00 |
| Home | wllw | 1.50 |
| Away | wlldl | 0.67 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 30% | 50% | 17% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.50 | 3.75 | 3.33 |
| Scored | 1.10 | 1.75 | 0.67 |
| Conceded | 2.40 | 2.00 | 2.67 |
| BTTS | 60% | 75% | 50% |
| Clean Sheets | 10% | 0% | 17% |
| Failed to Score | 30% | 25% | 33% |
| Expected Goals | 1.42 | 1.45 | 1.41 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.59 | 1.14 | 1.88 |
Reading vs Barnsley Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Reading (42%)
26 Matches
Barnsley (23%)
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