Bristol City vs Reading prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-03-31 14:00.
After picking up just four points from their last five Championship games, Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson admitted that the international break âcame at a good time" for his side. Firmly out of the top-six race, but comfortably clear of the bottom-three, the Robins are perhaps looking at a first top-ten finish since the 2018/19 season as their only realistic goal remaining, and the potential return of forward Tommy Conway and defender Kal Naismith certainly boosts those aspirations.
The immediate task for Bristol City is to avoid a third straight defeat for only the second time this campaign having lost their last two games âto nilâ. Ashton Gate seems the best possible place to be playing in search of avoiding that plight considering Bristol City are yet to lose a home league game in 2023 (W4, D2), as they seek vengeance for a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Reading in October.
The break also probably came at the right time for Reading, who had managed just a single point across their last five games (D1, L4). Boss Paul Ince stressed that he has âeight games to keep this side in this leagueâ as they went into the break nine points clear of the relegation zone. Heâs probably casting half an eye on Readingâs upcoming fixtures too, with the Royals paired against three of the current top-eight sides over their next five matches after this trip.
The lingering threat of a points deduction does little to lift the mood at Reading, but they do travel to the South West knowing a win here would move them level on points with their hosts. That looks a tough task based on their recent away form though, with Reading winless on the road since last December (D1, L8) including seven straight losses in all competitions!
Players to watch: Andreas Weimann should be relishing the visit of Reading having contributed to three of Bristol Cityâs last five H2H goals (G2, A1). Looking to outdo him could be Andy Carroll, who scored Readingâs equaliser last time around and has a goal in each of his last two personal H2Hs.
Hot stat: Reading have failed to score before half-time in nine of their last 11 league games, while Bristol City have failed to do so in seven-straight Championship outings.