Reading vs Cardiff prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-05 14:00.
Reading proved impotent in their opening Championship assignment, going down 1-0 to Blackpool for a second straight opening day defeat. Despite this, team boss Paul Ince was philosophical, claiming that the Royals would have âcapitulatedâ last season, instead of staying competitive until the bitter end, as a number of new free signings bedded in.
The absence of injured Lucas JoĂŁo and summer departee John Swift was clearly felt, especially with the latterâs goals gaining nine crucial points for Reading last season. In turn, fears of successive Championship home defeats âto-nilâ for the first time since January seem very realistic, even with eight of the last nine H2Hs at Reading witnessing both teams score.
Contrastingly, Cardiff City enter this clash after a 1-0 win over title tips Norwich, backing up coach Steve Morisonâs pre-match assertion that his men are âconfident against anyone". His optimism has only grown after that win, putting the spotlight on Cardiffâs increased hopes of emulating the five-game winning start they recorded in their last promotion season (2017/18).
After taking maximum points here in April, Cardiff could also complete a set of successive H2H away wins as an added bonus â a feat they last accomplished in September 2001. The win in question also bolsters Cardiffâs reputation for fighting back on hostile turf, with the Welsh side coming from behind to win 2-1 in four of their last seven away league wins.
Key battle: Reading defender Andy Yiadom assisted the opener in last seasonâs corresponding H2H, and he faces Romaine Sawyers, who is high on confidence after a matchwinner on his Cardiff debut last week. Prior to that, the Kittitian playmaker saw all of his goals last season come in games ending 2-1, including a loss at Reading in Stoke colours.
Hot stat: Cardiff have led at half-time in just one of their last eight away league victories.