West Bromwich Albion v Reading Betting Tips – EFL Championship, 21st August 20.00pm
Slaven Bilic had made a strong to life as West Bromwich Albion boss. This Wednesday night, the Baggies welcome Jose Gomes and Reading to The Hawthorns in the EFL Championship. West Brom have picked up seven points from their opening three games, and they are the clear favourites in this one. As for the Royals, after two defeats at the start, they thumped Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium last Sunday. This promises to be an entertaining encounter in the West Midlands.
West Bromwich Albion v Reading Betting Odds*
West Bromwich Albion 9/5
Draw 23/10
Reading 29/20
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on August 20th, 2019 at 17:30 p.m.)
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Table of Contents
West Bromwich Albion News and Form – Can the Baggies make it ten points from 12?
West Brom made a winning start under Slaven Bilic at the beginning of the month. The Baggies came from behind to beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the City Ground on the opening weekend.
However, Albion went on to have a poor week against Neil Harris’ Millwall. The Lions scored late to draw 1-1 at The Hawthorns in a league match. A few days later, the London club won 2-1 in an EFL Cup game in the Midlands.
West Brom got back to winning ways last weekend, though, beating Graeme Jones’ Luton Town. Grady Diangana, who is on loan from West Ham United, scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road. That was the Hatters’ first home league defeat since March 2018.
West Brom were very strong at home on their way to a fourth-place finish in the Championship last season. The Baggies won 12, drew seven and lost just four of 23 league fixtures at The Hawthorns.
Having dropped points to Millwall in their last home league game, the Baggies will be hoping to bounce back with three points in front of their home supporters in this one.
West Bromwich Albion v Reading Head to Head
In the corresponding fixture last season, West Brom thumped Reading 4-1 at The Hawthorns
The Royals held the Baggies to a 0-0 draw in Berkshire when they last met
Reading have claimed just one league win over Albion in 15 years
West Brom’s last home league victory over Reading came in the Premier League back in 2012
- West Brom have taken seven points from their opening three games
- Reading picked up their first league win of the season last Sunday
- The Royals claimed only two away victories in last season’s Championship
Reading News and Form – Can the Royals build on Sunday’s stunning victory?
Jose Gomes’ Reading made a poor start to the Championship campaign, losing their opening two matches. The Royals kicked off their season with a 3-1 home loss to Sheffield Wednesday, which they followed up with a 2-1 reverse at Hull City. However, they did beat Wycombe Wanderers on penalties in the EFL Cup last week.
Reading finally got their Championship campaign up and running with a huge win over Neil Warnock’s Cardiff last Sunday. The Berkshire club went into the game as second favourites, but they blew the Bluebirds away with a five-star performance at the Madejski Stadium. George Puscas was the hero, helping himself to a brace, with John Swift getting a late third to add gloss to the scoreline.
Reading had another poor season in the Championship last time around, finishing in 20th place for the second season running. Along the way, the club secured just two wins away from home. Reading won at Preston North End (3-2) and Ipswich Town (2-1), drawing 11 and losing ten of the other 21.
Reading were superb against Cardiff last time out. The Royals showed what they are capable of in that one, but this will be a stern test for Gomes’ side. Will they travel back to Berkshire with a positive result in the bag?
West Bromwich Albion v Reading Tips & Odds
West Bromwich Albion to win -1 at 8/5
Over 4.5 goals at 4/1
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on August 20th, 2019 at 17:33 p.m.)
West Bromwich Albion v Reading Predictions
West Bromwich Albion win: Reading will certainly be buoyed by Sunday’s superb win over Cardiff. As I mentioned, they were excellent last time out, putting in one of their best performances under Gomes. However, with this one taking place at fortress Hawthorns, I can only see one winner. Check out the tempting price of 8/5 for the Baggies to prevail by a -1 handicap scoreline.
Last season, only champions Norwich City scored more goals (93) than the Baggies (87). The Hawthorns saw 84 goals, with 53 of those being scored by the home team. I can see there being a hatful of goals in this one, so put some money on over 4.5 at 4/1.
