Middlesbrough vs Reading betting tips and predictions for this week’s Championship fixture and a betting preview for the match.
There’s a couple of fixtures in the Championship this midweek and we’ve picked out the best bets for the match in Teesside. Middlesbrough’s promotion trail is very much back on track as they saw off Preston at the weekend, they’re back in action at the Riverside as they take on Reading.
Middlesbrough vs Reading Preview
Middlesbrough
All seems well on the banks of the Tees as Aitor Karanka’s decision to remain at the club appears to be a positive one. His side have now won four on the bounce and have returned to their defensive best claiming back-to-back clean sheets.
Middlesbrough have the best defence in the Championship and they continue to keep teams out. They’ve found their shooting boots recently as well, hitting eight goals in their last four matches. Albert Adomah hit the winner on Saturday as they squeezed past Preston by a slender margin. They remain just a single point behind Burnley, which is remarkable considering their implosion in March. They have Brighton to worry about, who are hot on their tail and are their final opponents here at the Riverside Stadium this season. A game which has already sold out.
They weren’t at their best this weekend, but they got the job done and that is often the mark of a successful side. It’s a third successive home game for Middlesbrough and a chance to rise above the men from East Lancashire. They earnt praise from opposition manager Simon Grayson after their last match who said he hoped Middlesbrough return to the Premier league this season. Chairman Steve Gibson will be desperate for a return to the top tier as not only a fan of the club, but for the sake of his own finances. The local businessman has spent plenty of cash this season as he gambled on Karanka being the man to take them up.
They will also be desperate to avoid dropping into the play-offs as they look to banish the negative Wembley memories from last May. Another match in quick succession will help with momentum according to midfielder Adam Forshaw and he could be right. They are facing a side with nothing to play for, which is always a help rather than a hindrance.
Reading
It’s been a stop-start season for Reading this campaign. They sit in 14th place with three wins from the last eight. Steve Clarke started the season in charge with Brian McDermott ending it in the dugout. McDermott is a popular figure around here and he is tasked with improving the Royals next season and play-offs will surely be the aim.
They have the nucleus of a decent squad and plenty of young players coming through their academy. Dominic Samuel is just one of a number of players loaned out this season who should play a bigger part in the 2016-17 season.
They were very poor at the weekend though as they were defeated 0-2 here by Birmingham. It was their first defeat in four, but their third away loss in four. They had plenty of possession, but could do little with it at the Madejski Stadium. They struggled with Birmingham’s physical approach and if they defend in a similar manner here, they could struggle.
Middlesbrough vs Reading Team News
With the hectic schedule in mind, Aitor Karanka made four changes for the weekend’s clash with Preston. There are some suggestions that David Nugent is more effective in away matches due to his workrate whilst Jordan Rhodes is likely to be given the nod at the Riverside, so the former Huddersfield man could get a start here.
Adam Clayton picked up an injury in midweek, but came on as a sub against Preston and was hugely effective in seeing the victory out. It will be a straight shoot-out between him and Adam Forshaw to partner Grant Leadbitter in midfield.
It was a disappointing defeat for Reading and McDermott may be tempted to make changes to his side as they cast an eye towards next season. Gareth McCleary gave the side more width once he arrived and is pushing for a start in this one. They may also wish to use Ola John or Matej Vydra from the start after the duo only made the bench on Saturday.
Middlesbrough vs Reading Predictions
Middlesbrough are short for this one, but still backable for our football tips at 4/6. The handicaps are certainly an option, but with ‘Boro only managing a goal here on Saturday, the -1 is too much of a risk. My first Middlesbrough v Reading prediction is for Middlesbrough to win.
The best odds for Middlesbrough to beat Reading are 4/6 at Bet365.
Only one of Reading’s last five matches has featured three or more goals. Middlesbrough have a very decent defence and have only conceded 25 goals in 40 matches. I think they’ll keep another clean sheet here. My second Middlesbrough vs Reading betting tip is for Both Teams to Score? No.
The best odds for both teams to score? No, are 8/11 at Betfair.
It’s always hard to know which striker Middlesbrough will be starting with. Gaston Ramirez has been in terrific form recently and is likely to be given a start in this one. My third Championship prediction for betting on Middlesbrough v Reading this week is an anytime goalscorer tip and Gaston Ramirez to score anytime. The best odds for Ramirez to score against Reading are 13/5 at bet365.
Middlesbrough v Reading Betting Tips
Middlesbrough win – best odds 4/6 with Bet365.
Both Teams to Score? No – best odds 8/11 with Betfair.
Gaston Ramirez – Anytime Goalscorer – best odds 13/5 with Bet365.
Open a Betfair account and bet £10 on any of our football betting tips this week, win or lose you’ll get a £30 free bet added to your account.
BET £10 GET £30 FREE USING THIS BETFAIR SIGN-UP LINK
Jack Critchley
Latest posts by Jack Critchley (see all)
- Football Accumulator Tips for Sunday 15th January to win £635 - January 14, 2017
- Football Betting Tips for a Championship Treble on Saturday 14th January at 12/1 - January 12, 2017
- Anytime Goalscorer Tips for Saturday 14th January at Odds of 16/1 - January 12, 2017
- Both Teams to Score Tips for Saturday 14th January to win £204 - January 12, 2017
Follow us