A supercomputer has predicted where Reading FC will finish in League One this season – with the Royals expected to fall well short of the promotion race.
The Betarades supercomputer, BETSiE, has simulated the 2026/27 League One campaign 100,000 times to forecast the final standings.
The model takes into account a range of factors including pre-season expectations, fixture difficulty, previous performances, expected goals data and squad strength, with this year’s predictions also incorporating financial data and player valuations from Transfermarkt.
According to the simulation, Reading are projected to finish 15th in League One with 58 points from their 46 matches.
The prediction would see the Royals record 15 wins, 12 draws and 19 defeats during the campaign, scoring an estimated 51.9 goals while conceding 58.8.
It would represent a mid-table finish for Leam Richardson’s side, who will be hoping to build on last season and mount a stronger challenge for promotion.
Reading spent much of last season pushing towards the play-off places before their hopes faded during the closing stages, eventually finishing 12th.
The supercomputer’s latest forecast suggests the Royals face a competitive battle in a League One division featuring several clubs with recent Championship experience.
Leicester tipped for title
At the top of the table, relegated Championship side Leicester City are predicted to storm to the League One title.
The Foxes are projected to collect 93.8 points, with the model giving them a 75.1 per cent chance of lifting the trophy.
Luton Town are predicted to claim the second automatic promotion place with 81.3 points.
The play-off places are forecast to be taken by Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford United, Stockport County and Huddersfield Town.
That would leave Plymouth Argyle narrowly missing out on the top six despite being projected to finish level on points with Huddersfield.
Relegation battle predicted
At the other end of the table, the supercomputer predicts a difficult season for several clubs.
Burton Albion, Notts County, AFC Wimbledon and Bromley are forecast to finish in the relegation places and drop into League Two.
Meanwhile, teams including Peterborough United, Mansfield Town and Barnsley are also predicted to be involved in a battle near the bottom.
However, with the season yet to begin, the projections remain only a statistical forecast, with injuries, transfers and performances throughout the campaign likely to change the picture.
Reading supporters will hope Richardson’s side can outperform the numbers and challenge higher up the League One table when the new season gets under way.
