Reading vs Watford prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-03 15:00.
Reading’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over Watford in early January remains their only competitive victory in six matches (D2, L3), so playing them again in the Championship could help Paul Ince’s side get back to winning ways. Their recent 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United saw them concede at least twice for the third time in a row though (D1, L2), so he’ll need to make sure his defence is up to the task.
The loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei might help the Royals build on a run of three home league games without defeat (W2, D1), all of which saw them score first. Ince will want a reaction as he blasted his players following their 4-0 capitulation at Stoke in their last Championship outing (Jan 21), warning them to forget about the play-offs and instead focus on staying up.
Slaven Bilic’s Watford side occupy one of those coveted play-off positions and are still targeting an automatic promotion spot, although they’ve significant ground to make up on Sheffield United. Experienced defender Wesley Hoedt and Championship veteran forward Britt Assombalonga were signed late in the transfer window and could both feature, along with three other January signings.
Mixed Championship form (W2, D1, L3) has left Watford involved in a mighty scrap for a top-six position so Bilic needs his new signings to gel quickly, particularly as there’ve been no goals before the 35th minute in any of their last five league away fixtures (W2, D1, L2). The first strike could indeed be key as the side breaking the deadlock has won each of the last four H2Hs here (W2, L2).
Players to watch: Reading’s Shane Long completed the scoring against Watford in the FA Cup with his third career strike against them, twice netting inside the opening 20 minutes. His record isn’t as good as Watford’s Assombalonga though, who has six career goals against Reading, five of them after the 30th minute.
Hot stat: Watford have led at half-time in just one Championship away game this term (HT: D9, L5).