Blackpool vs Reading
14th January 1945hrs
Football – England – FA Cup
Pick Away Win
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: 31/20 odds taken 17:00 GMT, Monday 13 January
EFL League One outfit Blackpool welcome EFL Championship side Reading to Bloomfield Road for an Emirates FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday. Waiting in the next round will be a tie against either Carlisle United or Cardiff City, who meet in a replay on Wednesday. I predict another close encounter between the two sides, but will the Royals get over the line in Lancashire?
Table of Contents
Blackpool Preview – Can the Seasiders make home advantage count and progress in the cup?
Blackpool are chasing promotion back to the Championship, but Simon Grayson’s troops have had a little slump in form in recent months. The Seasiders have taken just two points from the last 15 on offer in League One, slipping into the bottom half of the table as a consequence.
Blackpool have been in patchy form at Bloomfield Road lately too, losing two on the spin. Since winning four in a row in all competition, the Pool have lost three of their previous five league and cup matches on their own patch.
Blackpool eased past Morecambe and Maidstone in the earlier rounds of the FA Cup before drawing Reading in round three. The third-tier team were the underdogs at the Madejski Stadium, but they held the Championship side to an entertaining stalemate in Berkshire.
At the time of writing, Blackpool are four points adrift of the play-off places in League One. However, with things so tight, Grayson’s boys have every chance of finishing in the top six. Before mounting another promotion push, Blackpool have business to attend to in the FA Cup.
Reading Preview – Will the in-form Royals be too strong for Blackpool?
Reading have picked up under Mark Bowen in recent weeks. After another slow start, the Royals are beginning to find their feet in the Championship, moving up to 14th spot. So far, the Berkshire side have won ten, drawn six and lost ten of 26 league matches.
Since losing at home to Birmingham City in early December – which remains their only reverse in nine league and cup fixtures – the Royals have won four and drawn four of eight across all competitions. However, after four Championship wins on the spin, Reading have drawn back-to-back matches with Blackpool (FA Cup) and Nottingham Forest (both at home).
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
Bowen’s men are unbeaten in five away from home, winning three and drawing two. Can they make a late dash for the top six in the Championship? Firstly, Reading will want to take care of Blackpool in the FA Cup.
Blackpool vs Reading Betting Advice
These two played out a thriller at the Madejski Stadium in the first game. Former Aston Villa man Nathan Delfouneso put Blackpool a goal up in the 28th minute, which was cancelled out by Sam Baldock’s 56th-minute leveller. Armand Gnanduillet restored the away team’s lead, but Danny Loader equalised for the Royals shortly after.Blackpool have certainly had their troubles at their home ground lately, winning just twice at Bloomfield Road since mid-November. In contrast, Reading have been in excellent form on the road. The Royals’ quality and experience should see them seal a narrow victory on their travels in midweek. You can get the away win at 31/20.
Key Facts – Blackpool vs Reading Betting Tip
- Blackpool are without a win in six league and cup games (three draws, three defeats)
- Reading have lost only one of their previous nine in all competitions
- The Royals are unbeaten in five on the road, winning three and drawing two
Reading have scored two goals in each of their last two away matches, beating Preston North End 2-0 at Deepdale and Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. It could be worth throwing a few quid on the Royals to win 2-0 on Tuesday at the eye-opening price of 12/1.
The best betting odds for Blackpool vs Reading
Blackpool to win: 17/10 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at Bet365
Reading to win: 31/20 at Bet365
