Home - Exeter City
- Exeter City have lost four of their last five matches, winning none of their last three at St James Park.
- The Grecians’ form in front of goal has dried up in recent weeks, and Gary Caldwell’s side’s only positive result in their last four came three days ago when they ground out a 1-0 away win over struggling Lincoln City.
- While Exeter have struggled for goals themselves, they have been defensively sound in the main since Caldwell’s appointment, shipping an average of just 1.20 goals per game at home in 2025/2026, although they have lost three of their five home matches in the third tier so far.
Away - Reading
- Reading have failed to win any of their five away games in League One 2025/2026.
- The Exeter City FC vs Reading betting tips highlight that Reading have failed to win any of their five away league matches this season, conceding nine in the process, but have been much more productive in attack since Hunt’s December 2024 appointment.
- Noel Hunt’s men are riding high after a 3-1 win over West Ham United U21 in the EFL Trophy in mid-week, with that result following a solid 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town to keep the Royals moving in the right direction in League One.
Head-to-Head
With both clubs struggling for consistency at home and away, and the fact that Reading won twice in their last three visits to Exeter , while last season’s corresponding fixture finished 0-0, our Exeter City FC vs Reading prediction is to take the no-favs option here.
Key Players
- Jack Marriott
- Jack Marriott has scored four goals in five League One 2025/2026 matches for Reading, including three in his last five club appearances.
- Marriott is a proven goal scorer at this level, and Exeter will have to work hard to contain him throughout the game.
- Josh Magennis
- Josh Magennis provides a very different threat to the Reading attack, having 4 goals in 10 League One appearances in 2025/2026, and his physicality and aerial threat will be key for the hosts.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers rate Exeter the slight favorites at 2.45, with Reading just behind at 2.7, while the draw is 3.4.
- Additionally, this Exeter City FC vs Reading betting tips section evaluates that Both Teams To Score, priced at 1.7, looks a little short, but we expect both sides to get chances to test the keeper on Saturday.
Prediction
- That makes for a fascinating tactical chess match when pitted against Exeter’s structure-first, defensive compactness and pragmatism, which will make set-piece and counter-attack scenarios all the more crucial, while midfield dominance could decide who grabs the win.
- We expect both sides to create chances and test the keepers on Saturday.
