Northampton Town vs Reading: Match Preview

11/04/2025 12:09

Can the Royals make it a nine-point week?

The Royals are back into the top six and the last playoff place is now in their hands. With both Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town dropping points on Tuesday, it leaves Reading in charge of their own destiny.

Beating Shrewsbury Town 3-1 was a huge step in the right direction for Reading as they put one hand through into the playoffs. Goals from Lewis Wing, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Chem Campbell saw to what was a deserved victory.

Northampton Town are coming off the back of a 4-0 win against Peterborough United away from home, taking them seven points adrift of the relegation zone. Some strong performances lately have made the fans believe they have what it takes to stay up.

In this preview I will talk a little about the reported takeover deal for the club, players who have played for both and my predictions for the match.

What? League One matchday 42

Season? 2024/25

Who? Northampton Town

Where? Sixfields stadium

When? Saturday April 12

Time? 15:00

Opposition manager? Kevin Nolan

The club

In a statement released by the club this week it was revealed that Robert Platek has sadly pulled out of the running to be Reading owner. After being involved in such a long process, it was going to be hard to carry on for much longer.

However, Rob Couhig has had an offer of £25 million accepted, as reported by The Sun. This is an offer with more of the money paid up front than last time. He is trying to make sure he secures the club before the EFL's deadline of April 22.

It is great news that the club may finally be in different hands, but…

There are a lot of people who think Couhig isn't the right man for the job. After taking legal action against Dai Yongge for apparent lost profits and trying to buy the training ground for Wycombe Wanderers before he tried to get the club himself, he hasn't necessarily shown hope of what he can do with this football club.

He is very vocal in the media about the takeover and has been on many podcasts talking about what happened the first time he tried to get Reading. But there haven't been many conversations about this time. He has stayed away from social media, which I think is a good thing. Although we all enjoyed his picture in the Purple Turtle, teasing a takeover in September, I doubt the same will happen again before he has 100% confirmed the club is under his name.

There are always going to be doubts over owners, especially given Reading's recent history, but we can't knock him for trying to get his money back. However, we can knock him if he tries to do anything we don't agree with while he's in charge of the club.

Hopefully he can get it over the line to get Dai out of the club.

Players who played for both

There is a total of 11 players who have played for both Northampton and Reading. Here are four of them!

Simon Cox played 62 games for Reading between the years of 2005 and 2015. He scored nine goals and got six assists and he's still well regarded at the club, having come through the academy and been part of the 2005/06 squad.

On loan from Reading, Cox played eight games for Northampton in 2007, scoring three goals.

Akin Odimayo is a current Northampton player who has made 89 appearances for the Cobblers, managing two assists. He played once for the Royals' first team.

Alex Pearce is another I would class as a Reading legend. Making 221 appearances for the club, he managed 14 goals and seven assists from defence, which is a pretty decent return.

On loan from Reading, Pearce played 15 times for Northampton in 2007, scoring once.

Finally, Liam Moore. Both loved and hated for his time with Reading, Moore is a Reading legend for me. The former captain made 232 appearances for the Royals, managing eight goals and four assists from the heart of the defence.

Joining Northampton in 2023, he made eight appearances, failing to grab a goal involvement.

My lineup

Joel Pereira will line up in goal. I know I say this all the time but it could be a big game ahead for the goalkeeper, with the Cobblers scoring four last time out.

The defence will be a similar one to last time, with Andy Yiadom, Tyler Bindon and Amadou Mbengue alongside Kelvin Abrefa this weekend. Although Andre Garcia is amazing, I can't see Abrefa not getting game time with how good he has been this season.

The midfield won't change. Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage and Harvey Knibbs have been on fire recently, rightly getting all the plaudits. I have been especially impressed with Savage: the man is a machine and we could really do with him keeping up this form if the Royals do want the playoffs.

The second-half attacking trio all had good games in midweek, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Chem Campbell getting goals. I think they will be joined by Jayden Wareham. The young lad must have a lot to prove to Noel Hunt still, but I think he is our best attacking outlet and he needs to play the last few games.

Score prediction: 3-0 Royals!

Good luck to those travelling to the game.

Come on you Royals!