![Reading’s Sam Smith crucial in possible 50/1 shot](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/betting/better-collective-new/reading.jpg?imwidth=680)
Reading’s Sam Smith crucial in possible 50/1 shot
Reading are close to a deal for new ownership that could help improve their performances after a frenetic 2023-2 off the pitch
![Reading’s Sam Smith crucial in possible 50/1 shot](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/betting/better-collective-new/reading.jpg?imwidth=680)
The EFL, back this weekend, is set to deliver another tumultuous campaign with lots of ups and downs below the top tier of English football.
League One’s feature game on the opening weekend of the season is at St Andrew’s on Saturday at 5.30pm as Birmingham City host Reading, with the Royals hoping to cause an early shock of their own.
Here we look at how the Berkshire club, who have had years of ownership problems, point deductions and embargoes on transfer fees, could fare this term.
bet365 is offering Telegraph readers an exciting new customer promotion for League One.
Already used the bet365 bonus code? See more betting offers and free bets.
Resilient Reading look to better times
Despite a six-point deduction and various problems off the pitch, Reading managed to survive in League One and demonstrated a magnificent improvement in the second half of the campaign.
They beat sides such as Derby County, Blackpool and Charlton as well as avoiding defeat at promoted side Oxford United.
The Royals, under manager Ruben Selles, had times in the previous season when they could not pay their staff on time – and supporters even abandoned a game against Port Vale in January in protest against the current regime.
Now there are rumours that former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is set to be the main man fronting a bid to take over, with reports that a deal is close.
This could provide the club with the stability needed to produce another strong season, and even be dark horses for this term’s play-offs.
Reading are on the longest goalscoring streak in the top four English leagues currently, having netted in each of their past 20 League One matches.
Goals are not easy to come by at any level but the Royals’ front four of Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith, Femi Azeez and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan all contribute regularly.
Out of Reading’s past 20 League One games, they only lost six and seemed to be a problem for most sides as Selles managed to get the best out of his young squad.
In fact, across the last 30 matches of the previous third-tier season, the Royals were eighth. If not for an appalling start, mainly down to off-field issues, they could have finished much higher.
Reading had the seventh-best home record in League One, and also reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy where they were defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-21s in a penalty shootout.
We have taken a look at a few markets that could be of interest as the Royals look to continue their strong end to last season.
- Selection: Reading to finish in the top six @ 3/1 with bet365
- Selection: Reading to win the EFL Trophy @ 33/1 with bet365
Sam Smith offers goals
One of Reading’s key qualities is that they have a key scoring threat in striker Sam Smith.
The Englishman is a formidable figure for Selles and his side. Despite being injured at the start of last season, he came back and showed his class through the campaign.
Smith scored 15 goals in 34 matches for Reading and at 26 years old is expected to be a key player again this term.
He netted against top-six sides Peterborough United, Derby County, Barnsley and Oxford United, and if he can avoid injuries promises to be a serious shout for leading goalscorer.
Smith is a key asset to this Reading side, and with his EFL experience we expect him to have another strong campaign.
- Selection: Sam Smith to score 20 goals in League One @ 3/2 with bet365
- Selection: Sam Smith to score 25 goals in League One @ 8/1 with bet365
- Selection: Sam Smith to score 30 goals in League One @ 50/1 with bet365
Take a look at the best casino offers and best bingo offers for 2024
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
Betting | Telegraph Media Group provides extensively researched, expert analysis, tips and odds to ensure readers are best informed when placing bets on football. Read more about our publishing principles here