Overview

• Kickoff is 8pm BST on Wednesday, August 20 at Bolton’s Toughsheet Community Stadium, with live coverage on Sky Sports Football.
• Betfred lists Bolton 8/15, the draw 3/1 and Reading 4/1 at publication, with prices subject to change.
• Bolton have started 1-1-1 after rescuing a late point at Barnsley, while Reading are bottom after three losses and have seen centre-backs Amadou Mbengue and Tyler Bindon depart.
• Recent analysis highlights Bolton’s chance creation (e.g., 13-2 shots vs Plymouth and 17 efforts at Barnsley) against a Reading side that has scored once and conceded six in the league.
• Betting previews diverge, with talkSPORT tipping a 3/1 draw and a 12/1 outside-the-box strike from Lewis Wing, while Racing Post leans Bolton -1 on the handicap and spotlights Amario Cozier-Duberry in player markets.