Ipswich vs Reading Predictions

It’s hard to call this three-game unbeaten run from Ipswich a revival, but it’s certainly progress. It’s come at the right time for them too, as they host Reading on Saturday. The Royals come into this clash placed in 21st, out of the bottom three on goal difference. They’re still under pressure of the drop, with Rotherham and Bolton in touching distance. However, could Ipswich be targeting survival too?

The hosts were considered long gone, but they’re now just nine points shy of Reading. There are still 12 games left to play, and a home win here would certainly give them a chance of climbing into the survival fight. They could mount an incredible escape with a good run in the coming weeks, but do they really have it in them? They’ll certainly need to show more than they have through this run of three consecutive draws.

Meanwhile, Reading have got themselves out of trouble thanks to their strong recent form. The Royals have lost only one of their last six matches, with Jose Gomes making his mark on the team. The Portuguese has certainly improved them at the back, so the Royals will be really tough to break down in this clash. Of course, it will help them that they’re meeting a side who are among the league’s lowest scorers.

Ipswich’s revival does pose a threat to Reading, who would have seen this as a winnable game a few weeks ago. The hosts have now secured a point in their last three games, which has included back to back 1-1 draws with Derby and Stoke at home. They come into this one with seven 1-1 draws at home this term, part of their big struggles at their own ground. The Tractor Boys have the second-lowest points total at home, while only five sides have worse away records than Reading.

Ipswich have won just twice in 17 home games and Reading once in 17 on the road. However, the Royals have drawn eight of those trips, while Ipswich have seen over half of their games here finish level. The visitors have drawn four of their last six, and Ipswich seem to be on a little run of their own. With neither side looking likely to edge this relegation six-pointer, we can see the duo sharing the points at Portman Road this weekend. We’re going with the two to share the points, while another 1-1 draw for the hosts seems like a value pick.