Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony believes Reading 'could be anything' as he assess the League One campaign.
The Posh, Reading's opening day opponents on August 5, missed out on promotion to the Championship last season after losing a remarkable play-off semi-final to Sheffield Wednesday.
Undergoing a squad refresh ahead of the start of the new campaign, Darren Ferguson's men remain among the front-runners for a promotion bid.
Speaking to Posh Plus, the Irishman was asked to assess the strength of the division and how other side's will fare.
"I see a typical League One this season," he said. "There are teams that shouldn’t be in it as they should be playing higher, there are fallen giants wanting to rebuild and there are teams like Bolton doing great business.
"There are teams like Wigan who will start on minus-eight points, but who will want to prove themselves in front of a new owner, and Joey Barton seems to have the bit between his teeth at Bristol Rovers as they are having a go wages-wise.
"Portsmouth are re-tooling like us and have made some good signings, while Derby County are also like us as they have a triple promotion-winner from League One as their manager (Paul Warne).
"And the teams coming up from League Two will be competitive and then there’s Reading who could be anything."
According to SkyBet, Ruben Selles' men are joint-fourth favourites to return to the Championship at the first time of asking, this is despite worrying off-field issues and a squad of just 10 recognised first-team players.
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