Reading vs Middlesbrough prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-19 14:00.
There is certainly a long way to go this season, yet a rampant 3-0 half-time/full-time victory over pace-setting Blackburn has somewhat silenced Reading’s many critics for the time being. That was a spectacular bounce back to form after the Royals had fallen behind within ten minutes in three straight league games prior, and it was also their first clean sheet since March.
Fans will be wise to temper their expectations following that victory though, as Reading have not won back-to-back league games since February. Perhaps playing on the counter attack is the recipe for Reading’s success in their survival bid as they’ve lost both games in which they secured over 50% possession, while both victories saw them finish with less than 40%.
Promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough can’t seem to buy a win for love nor money (D3, L1). The Teessiders came from behind to lead at Stoke last time out, yet it was heartbreak at the death as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, making it four points dropped from winning positions this season.
For a side who are still furiously searching for a striker, it may surprise a few that Boro have scored a joint league-high seven goals, yet their undoing has often been in defensive lapses, evidenced by their league worst eight conceded goals. Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder will hope that this is the day to finally get off the mark, after Boro ran out winners in four of the last five away H2Hs (L1).
Players to watch: Lucas João marked his return from injury with a goal from the bench for Reading last time out, but he hasn’t played any side as often as Boro without scoring a single goal (W1, D2, L8). As for Middlesbrough, Matt Crooks scored and assisted in his last away start and scored both goals in a comeback win against Reading last season.
Hot stat: Wilder has not faced any team more often in his career while winning every single game as he has against Reading (W6).