Peterborough vs Reading Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 English FA Cup | First Round
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Peterborough host Reading on Saturday evening in a first round contest in the 2026-27 FA Cup.
Kick-off date/time:
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Peterborough vs Reading prediction
This tie has a ready-made story, with Robbie Savage taking his Peterborough United side up against Reading, where his son Charlie is a midfielder. Savage has had a difficult job since taking over on 2 October, after Luke Williams was sacked and Ryan Harley took charge as caretaker, with the Posh 22nd in League One on 10 points from 13 games, having scored just 11 and conceded 23.
Peterborough have a decent cup record, reaching the fifth round in 2021-22 and the third round in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, but went out in the second round last year to Barnsley. They have won only once in five league games, a 3-1 win at Leicester City that shows they can produce a result, but they lost 2-0 at home to Luton last time out. Their problems are at both ends.
Reading went out in this round last season, losing 3-2 after extra time to Carlisle United, and were beaten by non-league Eastleigh in round two in 2023-24, although they reached the fourth round in 2022-23, so they have not always taken the competition in their stride. They are sixth in the league with 25 goals scored and just 15 conceded, a solid defensive record, which explains why they are favourites even away from home. A 2-0 defeat at Oxford United on Wednesday after a goalless draw at Plymouth Argyle is a small dip, but they beat Barnsley 2-1 and Leyton Orient 1-0 before that. We think they will bounce back.
Peterborough vs Reading tip: Reading to win
