Reading vs Middlesbrough
20th August 1500hrs
Football – England – EFL Championship
Pick Away Win
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 23/20 odds taken 1034 GMT, Friday 19 August
Reading and Middlesbrough square off in EFL Championship action at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this Saturday. The Royals have had a strange start to their season, winning two and losing two so far. Boro are one of the favourites for promotion, but Chris Wilder’s men are still searching for their first Championship victory this term. Who will come out on top in Berkshire at the weekend?
Table of Contents
Reading Preview – Can the Royals kick on from Blackburn win?
Reading have had a mixed bag of results so far this season. They started with a 1-0 defeat at Blackpool before bouncing back with a 2-1 success over Cardiff City. The Royals were then dumped out of the EFL Cup by EFL League Two side Stevenage.
On matchday three, Reading crashed to an embarrassing 4-0 reverse to Rotherham United at the New York Stadium – the Millers were 4-0 up at the break. Paul Ince demanded a response from his players and certainly got one, as Reading eased past Championship leaders Blackburn Rovers in midweek. Tom McIntyre, Junior Hoilett and Lucas Joao got the goals in a 3-0 home win.
We have already seen the best and the worst of Reading this season, and we are only four games in. Which Royals team will turn up on Saturday?
Middlesbrough Preview – Will Boro pick up first victory?
Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough will be looking for their first Championship win of the season this Saturday. Boro, who narrowly missed out on a play-off place last term, have made a slow start, taking just three points from an available 12.
Middlesbrough have been involved in two thrilling 2-2 draws in their last two matches. They came from behind twice to nick a point against Sheffield United in their last home fixture. On Wednesday night, they conceded at the death to drop two points to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
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Middlesbrough will be desperate for their first win of the season on Saturday. The North Yorkshire club are the bookies’ favourites at 23/20.
Reading vs Middlesbrough Betting Advice
Middlesbrough claimed a narrow home win when these two teams last clashed back in January. Matt Crooks was the hero in that one, scoring two late goals to give Boro a 2-1 success. Reading nicked the game in Berkshire thanks to an Alen Halilovic effort.
Middlesbrough’s last win on this ground came in February 2021, with goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola giving them a 2-0 win. Boro have won nine of the previous 11 meetings.
Key Facts – Reading vs Middlesbrough Betting Tip
- Reading beat the Championship leaders last time out
- Middlesbrough have failed to win any of their five league and cup fixtures
- Boro have won nine of their last 11 against Reading
Reading have been unpredictable lately, suffering a big defeat at Rotherham before bouncing back by beating the league leaders in their last one. This is a tough one to call, but our money is going on the away win. The visitors are priced at 23/20 to leave with the points.
Matt Crooks netted both goals in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Reading in January. The midfielder was also on target in Boro’s recent reverse at QPR. Crooks is priced at 9/2 to score anytime at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The best betting odds for Reading vs Middlesbrough
Reading to win: 23/10 at Bet365
Draw: 5/2 at Bet365
Middlesbrough to win: 23/20 at Bet365
