Reading vs Sunderland prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-09-13 19:00.
After winning four of their last five Championship matches (L1) to the surprise of many, Reading are within striking distance of the automatic promotion places. A deserved nomination for Championship āManager of the Monthā for August followed for Paul Ince, who has got the Reading fans dreaming of a return to the Premier League. But thereās still work to do on that front, as their last two losses have been a 4-0 score away from home, suggesting the downside to their performances can be devastating.
The Select Car Leasing Stadium has been a lucky charm though with the Royals winning all four league home matches and conceding just two goals in the process. Continuing that run would see Reading post five home league wins to start a campaign for the first time since 2008/09, but more importantly secure a foothold in the top-six before the fixture pile up in October.
Meeting for the first time in more than four years, Sunderland could make it memorable by landing their first away league H2H win since March 2004 (D1, L3 since). That would, however, need the Black Cats to rise above their recent poor four-game away form (W1, L3) which includes a ego-damaging 1-0 loss at Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby on their last trip.
Defeat against Middlesbrough continued Sunderlandās five-game trend of see-saw results (W2, L3) as new manager Tony Mowbray targets consistency to stay in the hunt for an unexpected top-six finish. Thereās a personal battle on the cards too as Mowbray has never won against an Ince managed side (D2, L1), whilst also losing a joint-career high eight managerial games against Reading (W3, D2).
Players to watch: After a double on his birthday in the last match, Readingās Lucas JoĆ£o has scored his last five Championship goals at home. Mowbray thinks loanee Ellis Simms will ārise to the challengeā in top-scorer Ross Stewartās absence, with Simmsā last three league goals helping Sunderland pick up four points.
Hot stat: Seven of Readingās last eight Championship matches saw the opening goal scored within 15 minutes.