Stat Attack: Burton Albion
Olivia crunches the numbers ahead of Reading's trip to Burton.
Last Saturday, 800 Reading fans made the 384-mile round trip to face playoff-pushing Barnsley. ‘Ding started the game on the better foot, with Sam Smith opening the scoring with a header just after the 21st minute. Only eight minutes after Smith’s opener, Philips equalised for the Tykes.
The game ended 2-2 in the end, with both teams having their fair share of chances. Due to other teams around Reading getting poor results, Reading mathematically are staying in the league for another year!
This weekend it’s another sold-out away end, consisting of 1,700 Royals traveling to Burton Albion. The Brewers are sitting two points above the relegation zone with poor form, only gaining four out of a possible 15 points.
The game is huge for Burton, helping to dictate whether or not their safety is secured! Ruben Selles’ men go into this game with stronger current form, having won eight out of a possible 15 points.
Reading’s away form has improved significantly in the last few trips away from home. In the last five away games, Reading have gained seven out 15 points.
On the flipside, Burton’s home form has been weak for the past eight games, by losing all matches. Burton have scored 19 goals at home this season, with their last home goal being scored in January.
At home, Burton have played 40% of their touches on the right-hand side - similar to many League One teams this season. Like Burton, Reading also play 40% of their touches on the right-hand side away from home. It wouldn’t surprise me if the game is played mainly on the right-hand side on Saturday!
Burton this season have been prone to conceding in the second half of the game - only winning 14% of matches from second-half action. Reading are extremely similar statistics-wise again, only winning 14% of games from second-half action. The game statistically will be a close one on Saturday.
Goals-wise Reading are in far better shape, with Smith currently being Reading’s top league goalscorer, with 13 goals this season. For Burton, their top goalscorers are Joe Powell and Mark Helm, both with five goals this season.
Looking ahead to next weekend, Reading face Blackpool in the last game of the season. Blackpool are currently sitting in eighth, three points off the playoffs. Depending on what goes on this Saturday, the game in Berkshire could determine if a playoff place will be landing in Lancashire. For Reading, the game will be celebrating an uneasy season, with it being ‘Spanish Day’, showing thanks to Ruben’s efforts to keep Reading afloat!