Reading travel to Home Park on Boxing Day hoping to build on a spirited late win in their last outing and climb further clear of the lower reaches of League One.
The Royals snapped a frustrating run with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Luton Town, showcasing attacking resilience despite defensive lapses. That result lifted them into mid-table and offered a timely confidence boost for Leam Richardson’s team.
Form guide
Recent League One form (last 6):
Reading: W–L–L–D–W–L
Plymouth: W–W–L–L–W–W
Away from home, Reading’s record has been less than convincing, with just one win on the road and three defeats in their six away league games this season.
Reading go into the match in 15th place on 25 points from 20 games, while Plymouth also have 25 points but have played an extra match.
The Royals were provided a huge boost last week when star striker Jack Marriott returned to the starting eleven against Luton.
Marriott has been in exceptional goal scoring form since arriving in Berkshire and has netted six goals in 10 matches. That also gives him the best goals per 90 ratio in the entire division, with a goal every 113 minutes.
Meanwhile, Plymouth have the top scorer in the league. Lorent Tolaj has scored 11 goals in 18 games.
Following a dreadful start to the season, Plymouth have picked up recently and earned a thumping win last weekend away to Doncaster Rovers.
Top scorer Tolaj smashed in a hat-trick to help Arygle to earn a 5-1 win on the road.
Reading have defeated Plymouth in their last three meetings, but the teams have not met since 2019 when the Royals won 4-2 in the League Cup.
