Preview
Manchester United vs Reading Betting Tips
Saturday, 07/01/2017
Old Trafford
Under 2.5 goals to be scored at 7/5 odds
Manchester United start their FA Cup title defense on Saturday afternoon against Championship side Reading. Reading manager Jaap Stam will set foot in the turfs of Old Trafford for the first time since his unhappy exit from Manchester United 16 years ago. The Dutchman, a member of the treble winning Manchester United side of 1999, was controversially sold to Lazio in 2001 by Sir Alex Fergusson after he had made some controversial comments on the club in his autobiography. Undoubtedly, Stam would be looking to mark his return to the Old Trafford with a memorable victory over his old club. Stam has done an impressive job in his first managerial role by bringing Reading back in contention for a Premier League return , who finished 17th in the Championships last year. Reading are currently 3rd in the Championship and have infused Dutch flavored pressing and passing into their playing style which saw them averaging an impressive 60% possession per game.
Manchester United have been in stellar form lately and have won all of their past 7 matches in all competitions. The Red Devils made a winning start to the year when they returned home with a 2-0 victory against West Ham from the London Stadium last Monday. An early red card for West Ham midfielder Sofiane Feghouli gave United a one man advantage for the remaining 75 minutes but the Hammers held on to the deadlock till the 63rd minute when Juan Mata steered the ball home from an impressive Marcus Rashford cut-back. Zlatan Ibrahimovic added to the tally twelve minutes from time to keep United in close proximity to the top four.
PREDICTION
Reading have won only once against the Red Devils and that win came more than 70 years ago when Reading enjoyed a 2-1 victory over United in January, 1927. Reading have improved significantly under Stam but they are still an ongoing project. The team’s success have been a team effort so far and they lack a type of player who can turn the tide against a hostile opponent. Garath McCleary on the right wing might cause problems for United but Reading’s reliance on the 35 year old Yann Kermorgant at the front of the line might prove ineffective against a defiant Manchester United defense. The home side stood unbeaten in their last 24 encounters with second tier oppositions and we strongly anticipate that unbeaten run to extend one more game on Saturday. Even though Reading have a poor defending record, we believe they will adopt a more cautious approach at Old Trafford and harness United within two goals.
Under 2.5 goals to be scored at 7/5 odds
RECENT FORM
- Manchester United(6th in the Premier League, last 5 matches in all competitions)
2-0(Away, West Ham)2-1(Home, Middlesbrough)3-1(Home, Sunderland)2-0(Away, West Brom)2-1(Away, Crystal Palace)
- Reading F.C.(3rd in the Championship, last 5 matches in all competitions)
3-2(Away, Bristol City)3-1(Home, Norwich)3-2(Away, Blackburn)0-2(Away, Leeds)2-1(Home, Sheffield Wednesday)
HEAD TO HEAD
Total Played | United wins | Reading wins | Draws |
19 | 11 | 1 | 7 |
LAST MEETING
16 March, 2013
Old Trafford
Premier League
Manchester United 1-Reading 0
Under 2.5 goals to be scored at 7/5 odds