Reading v Cardiff Tips

Reading host Cardiff on Saturday afternoon at the Madejski Stadium in an FA Cup last 32 clash. Read the Reading v Cardiff match preview and predictions below.

The Royals weren’t able to extend their 9-game unbeaten run after a loss away to Millwall last weekend but picked up an honourable point against title-challengers Nottingham Forest in midweek to get back on track. A 2-0 victory over League One side Blackpool in the last round of the FA Cup saw Mark Bowen’s side make it to the final 32 and up against fellow Championship rivals Cardiff City.

Cardiff have only managed two wins from the last 10but have also lost just as many, being held to 6 draws over that period. In the league, there isn’t much separating these sides with Cardiff sitting just 2 places and points ahead of Saturday’s opponents.

These two sides met in the league back in August at the Madejski Stadium where Reading achieved a comfortable 3-0 victory. This match is a little tougher to call and despite Reading having the home advantage again, we predict a much closer game.

INTRO

Reading v Cardiff Past Meetings

• Played: 33
• Reading Wins: 10
• Cardiff Wins: 11
• Draws: 12

Reading Last 10 Games Stats

• Wins: 5
• Draws: 4
• Losses: 1
• Average goals per match: 1.4
• Average goals conceded per match: 0.7
• Number of clean sheets: 5
• Over 2.5 goals in match: 3
• Under 2.5 goals in match: 7

Cardiff Last 10 Games Stats

• Wins: 2
• Draws: 6
• Losses: 2
• Average goals per match: 1.5
• Average goals conceded per match: 1.9
• Number of clean sheets: 2
• Over 2.5 goals in match: 6
• Under 2.5 goals in match: 4

Reading Top Scorers

• George Puscas: 6 Goals
• Lucas Joao: 5 Goals
• John Swift: 5 Goals

Cardiff Top Scorers

• John Ralls: 5 Goals
• Lee Tomlin: 5 Goals
• Danny Ward: 5 Goals

Reading v Cardiff Prediction

Despite Reading having the home advantage, they have only picked up 19 points from a possible 39 on home soil this season. Cardiff, on the other hand, have only picked up 13 from a possible 45 on the road despite scoring more goals.  The bookies odds reflect a close game which are in line with our thoughts also. Therefore, a safer bet would be to back Both Teams To Score given that Reading have only failed to score once in their last 11 games at home and Cardiff have only failed to find the net once in the last 14 away. If we had to pick a winner, we’d side for Reading given that Cardiff have only beaten them once in their last 8 meetings with their last victory, home or away, being back in 2011.