Reading – Barnsley

Reading, sitting eighth in the table with 15 points from four wins, three draws and three defeats, will host Barnsley at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The Royals have enjoyed a comfortable +3 goal difference (22‑12) while the visitors sit second‑last, having scraped only eight points and a –9 margin (10‑19). Barnsley’s recent form, with just two wins and two draws in ten games, offers Reading a clear chance to widen the gap between the top half and the relegation battle. A victory for the home side would not only reinforce their push for the play‑off spots but also widen the points divide over a Barnsley side desperate for a morale‑boosting result.