Reading vs Man Utd betting preview

Sitting pretty at the top of the table once again, Manchester United travel south to play Reading on Saturday with heavy expectations against a side that have won just one game all season. That win came last time they played at home on November 17^th against Everton, and they will be hoping to pull off another shock at the Madejski this weekend. Even a draw would seem like a victory for the 19^th placed side as they look to move closer to the teams above them. United could extend their lead at the top if rivals Man City falter at home to Everton earlier in the day. Choose a free bet for this match from leading UK bookmakers.

Reading’s Recent Results:

Aston Villa 1-0 Reading
Wigan 3-2 Reading (Morrison, Al Habsi (og))
Reading 2-1 Everton (Le Fondre (x2))
Reading 0-0 Norwich

Reading have found it difficult adjusting back to Premier League football following their Championship title win last season. Sitting just four points above bottom spot and four points away from safety, Reading are starting to slip deeper into the depths of the relegation zone and are in need of a second win.

So far this season, Reading have drawn as many games as they have lost but hold a rather impressive home record, considering their position, picking up 7 points from 6 home games.  Tote sport have Reading at 7/1 to hold on for another home draw this Saturday.

Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has impressed since his move in the Summer, scoring five goals so far this season. The in-form striker is Adam Le Fondre, however, who scored a brace against Everton two weeks ago to secure his side’s first win of the season. He is at 7/2 to score anytime with Paddy Power.

Manchester United’s Recent Results:

Manchester United 1-0 West Ham (van Persie)
Manchester United 3-1 QPR (Evans, Fletcher, Hernandez)
Galatasaray 1-0 Manchester United
Norwich 1-0 Manchester United

Despite their position at the top of the Premier League table, United have been far from convincing all season long. Even in recent weeks they have had trouble beating teams they’d expect to beat, losing 1-0 away to Norwich and Galatasaray, before going down at home to bottom side QPR, only to come back and win 3-1 thanks to three quick second half goals.

United are yet to have drawn a game this season having won 11 and lost three. Out of their last six league games the result has been decided by just a solitary goal on five occasions – two of their wins coming from behind against QPR and Aston Villa, when they went 2-0 down. If recent results are anything to go by, Man United to win after going behind is a good bet at 7/1 with Ladbrokes.

Javier Hernandez has scored four goals in the last six league games, scoring the last goal of the match in each match he has scored in. Bet Victor and bet365 offer 9/2 on Hernandez to score the last goal of the game.

Betting Preview:

In Reading’s last 10 games the result has been a draw on four occasions and the other six have been decided by one goal. This suggests that Reading are able to stick in the game right until the 90^th minute. You can get Reading +1 on an Asian Handicap (Wins if Reading lose by just one goal or manage to grab a draw or win) at 27/20 with Bet Victor.

Wayne Rooney has been far from his best this season, scoring just two goals in the league thus far. There is only so long before the England star has a break-out game and he could do so on Saturday. If Rooney starts he could be difficult to handle, playing just off van Persie, especially seeing as Reading have conceded 23 goals in 13 games. Rooney to score two or more goals is best priced with Coral at 13/2.

Reading have been strong at home this season whilst Manchester United have struggled against all types of teams this season. Don’t expect a blow out but United should be too strong for a weak Reading defence.

Prediction: Reading 0-2 Manchester United – Best priced at 7/2 with Stan James.

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Article by Jack Teague

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