Reading FC fans have some reason to be optimistic about heading into the new League One season – while there are still areas of concern.
The Royals begin their campaign at home to Luton Town on Saturday, with Leam Richardson preparing for his first full season in charge.
Reading finished 12th last season, but there is a feeling that a stronger recruitment window could help them climb the table. The club have added Jacob Brown, Kyreece Lisbie, Josh Stokes and Udoka Godwin-Malife this summer, while also retaining several of their key players.
There are still questions over squad depth, particularly in attack and out wide, with recent analysis suggesting Reading remain reliant on a small number of senior players.
So, here are our Reading Today predictions for the season.
Predicted finish: 9th
Play-offs are within reach – but Reading will need more signings to make that reality.
A ninth-place finish would represent an improvement on last season and, importantly, leave the door open for a late push towards the play-offs.
Reading have enough quality in their strongest XI to compete with most sides in League One. Lewis Wing, Andy Rinomhota, Charlie Savage and Jack Marriott give them an experienced spine, while the summer additions have added energy and competition.
But the squad still feels a little short of what is required for a sustained promotion challenge.
The club need another striker, a full-back as a priority and potentially another central midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.
Jack Marriott is one of the most prolific strikers in the league, but his fitness cannot be relied on.
If those additions arrive and Richardson can keep his best players fit, particularly Marriott, there is no reason Reading cannot move from a predicted ninth into the play-off picture.
Best signing: Kyreece Lisbie
This one already looks like an exciting call.
Kyreece Lisbie has shown flashes of the quality that made Reading want to bring him to Berkshire.
The winger was one of Reading’s brighter performers in the Carabao Cup draw at Bromley, creating problems for the defence and winning a penalty.
He has the pace and directness to give Reading something different in the final third.
At 22, Lisbie also fits the profile of a player who could improve significantly with regular League One football.
If he can turn those flashes into consistent performances, he could become one of the signings of the season.
Top scorer: Jack Marriott
This feels like the obvious choice.
Marriott scored 16 goals in 24 League One appearances last season and remains Reading’s most natural goalscorer.
The only major question is fitness.
If Marriott stays fit and plays the majority of the campaign, he should be capable of another strong goals return.
Reading’s need for another striker is partly because relying too heavily on Marriott would be a major risk over a 46-game League One campaign.
Player of the season: Lewis Wing
There is a reason Lewis Wing remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
The midfielder is still one of the standout players in League One and possesses qualities that can change games.
His set pieces are dangerous. His ability to strike from distance gives Reading another attacking weapon. And, as captain, he provides leadership in a relatively young squad.
Wing has already established himself as one of the club’s most important players and signed a new contract last season.
If Reading are to challenge towards the top end of the table, another influential season from Wing will be crucial.
Young player of the season: Ashqar Ahmed
This could be the most interesting prediction of the lot.
Ashqar Ahmed made nine League One appearances last season and has plenty of ability and promise.
The young defender now needs an opportunity to establish himself at senior level.
Richardson hasn’t always shown a willingness to use younger players so Ahmed will need to take his chances when they arrive.
The key is trust.
If Reading give him a genuine run of games rather than expecting him to perform perfectly in isolated appearances, Ahmed could develop into one of the more exciting young defenders in the division.
