Reading vs Luton prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-04-18 19:00.
Although they’re without a manager and still reeling from a six-point deduction, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest Reading still have the fight to stay in the Championship. The Royals sacked manager Paul Ince last week and remain in the relegation zone on goal difference after going without a win for nine league matches, but four draws from their past five games, including one at home against Premier League-bound Burnley last time out (0-0) would have lifted spirits in the camp.
They’ll now step out in front of their fans once again looking to extend their record to just two defeats in 13 home competitive fixtures (W5, D5). That’ll be tough against a Luton side who are enjoying a fine campaign, but Reading’s four league wins from the last five H2H clashes at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (L1) should inspire some confidence.
Luton look to have all but secured a play-off place after their recent 2-0 win at Rotherham meant they finished the last round 12 points clear of seventh place with only four rounds to go. There is still a slim chance of automatic promotion for the Hatters, but second-placed Sheffield United do hold a five-point cushion and one game in hand. But even if that proves a step too far, Luton’s run of ten games unbeaten (W7, D3) – their best at this level for 40 years – deserves plenty of accolades.
Manager Rob Edwards should be confident they can add to that run here, especially as they are not only unbeaten in four league meetings with Reading (W2, D2), but they also haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last nine games played on a Wednesday (W5, D4), or lost on the road in the Championship since mid-December (W6, D4).
Players to watch: Each of Andy Carroll’s last four league goals have come at home, and he’s scored in two of Reading’s last three home games. Luton fans were left fearing the worst when Carlton Morris left the field limping after scoring against Rotherham as he’s been involved in almost half of their goals this season (G18, A6). That will likely increase the pressure on Cauley Woodrow here, who wrapped up the points after initially missing a penalty in that game.
Hot stat: Reading have won just one of their last 21 league matches played on a Wednesday (D6, L14).