Stoke vs Reading prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-01-20 15:00.
Sitting 20th in the table after a third Championship defeat in a row, Stoke City anxiously await their first league victory of the new year. The Potters' latest loss at Bramall Lane (3-1), which marked the seventh straight league game to see them concede first, has piled even more pressure on boss Alex Neil, who stated recently that he needs reinforcements, especially a midfielder and a new keeper. The arrival of Reading at least provides some encouragement, as Stoke havenāt lost a home league match to the visitors since 2005 (W3, D3).
A failure to score in consecutive home league outings for the second time this season suggests their troubles are not entirely defensive. A lack of ruthlessness has arguably played a part in only rock-bottom Wigan picking up fewer than Stokeās 12 home points (W3, D3, L7) this term, and with only one win across their last seven outings at Bet365 Stadium (D1, L5), theyāll want to put on their scoring boots here.
Reading arrive in the Potteries on a three-game winless league run after surrendering a two-goal lead last time out against Queens Park Rangers to draw 2-2. Thatās seen them lose ground on the play-off places, though manager Paul Ince will believe nothing is lost yet, with the club giving a new 18-month contract to experienced striker Andy Carroll as they look to fire themselves back up the table.
The visitors will need to better their away league record immediately in order to have a shot at the top-six, as Reading have picked up only 11 of their 37 points this term on the road (W3, D2, L9). A positive start appears key this time around, as the Royals have lost six of their eight away league matches after conceding first (W1, D1).
Players to watch: Nick Powell has scored three league goals this term, all inside his last 11 Championship outings and as Stokeās first goal-scorer each time. A two-goal hero from the last round, Readingās Jeff Hendrick is also on three league strikes this season, with all his three goals coming in draws.
Hot streak: Reading have lost each of their five away league matches when trailing at half-time.