Big price on Reading at home
Reading have been one of the surprise packages in the Championship this season, tipped for a season-long struggle against relegation under Paul Ince, but instead the Royals are a win or so away from the top six with a comfortable cushion on the bottom three.
The key to this encouraging start has been sensational home form, seeing a supporter base that were largely concerned about Ince getting the job on a full time basis warm to their manager in a big way, rallying behind a very hardworking team.
Preston North End have been a very odd side to follow so far this season with so few goals going in at either end, but in spite of that strange statistical quirk, Ryan Lowe’s men are still well placed to compete for a place in the top six.
Process
The Royals have been excellent at the back so far this season, and they have needed to be after disadvantaging their cause by bringing in Joe Lumley on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough.
Reading have unsustainably underperformed to concede 25 goals from 18 games, only allowing 16.8 expected goals (xG) against, at an average of just 0.94 xGA per game.
Preston have scored just 14 goals from 19 games, underperforming to convert 14 times from chances equating to 21.0 xGF, posting 1.12 xGF per game so far, a marginal improvement on the attacking process of the Royals.
It is very tough to get against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, I was someone waiting for this start to the season to fall apart, and there were signs that it could, but their defensive process is so strong, at the moment it looks like they are going to be able to keep the relegation conversation at an arms’ length for the vast majority of the campaign.
Goals?
Siding with Reading instead of a goals angle in this one, Ince has experienced players at his disposal who are running through brick walls for him, the Asian Handicap provides some nice insurance.
Reading have scored in seven of ten.
Reading have conceded in seven of ten.
Reading have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Reading have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Preston have scored in seven of ten.
Preston have conceded in six of ten.
Preston have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Preston have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Preston, an excellent away win for Ryan Lowe's side.