Reading v Leicester: Get the draw onside

Andy Tongue
12 April 2014

The Madejski has not been happy hunting ground for Reading lately

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There's plenty for both sides to play for in Monday night's live Championship game, but Andy Tongue thinks they will have to settle for a point apiece...

"The Foxes would surely settle for moving a point closer to the title, especially after Burnley's defeat at Middlesbrough yesterday, which keeps them six points clear."

Back the draw at 3.613/5

Reading v Leicester
Monday April 14
19:45
Live on Sky Sports One

Reading

The Royals are one of a number of sides in the middle of the battle for the play-off spots, though their recent run has been decidedly mixed with stark differences between their home and away form.

They have not won any of their last six games at home but conversely have triumphed in five of the last six on their travels. If Nigel Adkins can solve those problems in front of their own fans they should be able to secure a spot in the end-of-season excitement.

His side were blown away in the first-half at Bournemouth on Tuesday as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat and wins for Brighton and Ipswich on Saturday saw them drop two places to eighth. However, a point here would see them back up to sixth on goal difference.

Experienced midfielder Mikele Liegertwood came off the bench after injury in that midweek defeat and could be in line for a start here to bolster the midfield which has been their weak link in recent weeks.

Leicester

Wow, it must have been some party! That was the general consensus after Leicester secured promotion on Saturday and were then hammered 4-1 at home by Brighton on Tuesday night. The big question now is how they will perform in their remaining five games?

Nigel Pearson will be determined to ensure they go up as champions ahead of Burnley, having been in pole position since the turn of the year. I think we'll see a reaction from his players here and a totally different performance to Tuesday, when understandably they lost their focus.

That defeat ended an unbeaten run of some 22 games including 10 away from home and they have also scored in each of their last 14 matches on the road. Not surprisingly Pearson's side also have the best away record in the division.

Striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher who came off the bench to score their consolation in midweek could be in line for a start if Pearson decides to freshen things up.

Match Odds

Some people don't like backing the draw but I think it often offers the value to punters. In a situation like this, Reading need the win more but their home record means it would take a leap of faith to back them. And the Foxes would surely settle for moving a point closer to the title, especially after Burnley's defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday, which keeps them six points clear at the top. In short, a draw would be a good outcome for both sides. It's available at 3.613/5 and I'm pretty confident it could look like a shrewd move come the final whistle.

Cash Out Opportunity

Both sides want the win here for their own reasons but the visitors should be able to play with a certain amount of freedom given that they are certain to be playing in the Premier League next season. Reading have been involved in a few high-scoring games this season and we could see a fast start here, which would allow Over 3.5 Goals backers to cash out for a guaranteed profit.

Recommended Bet
Back the draw at 3.613/5

Cash Out Tip
Back Over 3.5 Goals at 3.39/4

2013/14 P/L

Wagered: 46pts
Return: 50.40pts
P/L: +4.40pts

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