Stat Attack: Blackpool
Olivia runs the numbers ahead of the season finale.
Last weekend, a sold-out away end of 1,700 Royals and many more inflatables traveled to Staffordshire to face relegation-risk Burton Albion! The game started against Reading’s desire, with the Brewers leading in the fifth minute, via a goal from Mason Bennett. Only six minutes after the first, Mustapha Carayol added to their tally.
Goals came flying in and by half-time Reading were trailing 3-1. The game ended 3-2 to Burton, helping to extend their chances of staying in League One for another season.
This weekend, for the final time this campaign, Reading are facing Blackpool. The Seasiders are sitting in eighth, only one point off the playoff spots. This weekend it will be massive for the visiting side, helping to determine if Championship football will potentially be on the cards for them next season!
Blackpool have scored 20 goals on the road this season, compared to ‘Ding’s 30 home goals scored at home this campaign.
Blackpool’s form outweighs Reading’s currently: the Seasiders have gained 13 out of 15 points in their last five games, gaining an average of 2.6 per points per game. For Reading, Ruben Selles’ men have won five out of 15 possible points, gaining an average of just one point per game.
Although the visitors’ form seems significantly better than Reading’s, a season-high attendance will be present at the SCL. Form may go out the window completely for both sides with so many fans in place!
Reading have only lost six home games this season, so it will be a challenging test for Blackpool this Saturday.
Although their forms are polarised, Reading have a better goal-scoring record compared to Blackpool. Reading have scored an average of 1.44 goals per game compared to Blackpool’s average of 1.4 goals per game.
Sam Smith is Reading’s top scorer - getting his most recent goal at Burton, the tally went up to 15 for this season. Equalling Smith’s tally is Blackpool’s Jordan Rhodes, also with 15 goals this season. It will be a close battle for the two strikers this season.
Playing styles for Reading and Blackpool are extremely different. Reading, at home, play most of their passes down the right-hand side, with 43% of plays down this channel.
Antagonising this, Blackpool play passes equally across the pitch. I suspect our back line will be busy this weekend!
The majority of Blackpool’s shots come from the centre of the field, having 73% of shots on goal taking place there. For Reading, 68% of their shots come from the centre of the field. It will be a similar game on Saturday with shots and pass locations very similar for both sides.
It will be a shame this Saturday as captain Andy Yiadom is expected to be out through injury. Lewis Wing may be able to step up again for the last time this season.