Reading vs Burnley prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-04-14 14:00.
Reading are a club in absolute turmoil of late, suffering a six-point deduction which coupled with a tragic run of form since March (D3, L5), has plummeted them into the relegation zone. A 2-1 defeat at Preston on Easter Monday bookends that run and spelled the end of boss Paul Ince, a decision that perhaps seems a little harsh considering without the points deduction, Reading would sit relatively comfortable in 18th.
Noel Hunt now takes caretaker charge for the rest of the season, but the last side he would’ve wanted to be hosting in his Reading managerial bow is champions-elect Burnley, though his side can perhaps lean on the historical omen that they’re unbeaten in five home H2Hs against the Clarets (W3, D2). The Royals’ home form has been respectable of late too, losing just two of their last ten home league games (W4, D4), which could prove to be the trump card in their desperate bid for survival.
Burnley won’t be in any mood to feel sympathy here, as despite the fact they’re promoted and the title is all but in the bag, they’re still playing to surpass Reading’s championship points record of 106. They’ll need to win all six of their remaining games to do so, and moving one step closer with victory here could also see them secure the title depending on Sheffield United’s result in Saturday’s early game.
The chance to become champions so soon was set up by Monday’s 2-0 victory against the Blades themselves, the perfect birthday present for boss Vincent Kompany who challenged his side to break Reading’s points record in the aftermath. You’d be brave to bet against Burnley taking the first step on that road here, especially with the Clarets unbeaten away from home in Championship action post-World Cup (W7, D2).
Players to watch: In a rich vein of form of late, Reading’s Andy Carroll has netted four times across the Royals’ last six home league games, three of which were the game’s second goal. Burnley’s Ashley Barnes may have his eye on the first match goal, with all five of his Championship scoring appearances this term seeing him net the game’s opener.
Hot streak: Reading have conceded exactly once in their last six home league games.