Half markets offer best value on Reading and Norwich clash

Reading will make their 10th attempt to pick up Premier League win number one when the Canaries rock up at the Madejski for a clash both are surely regarding as a ‘relegation six-pointer’.

With only one defeat in their last five top-flight contests, the Royals appear to be on the cusp of recording that elusive first victory of the season, but if they can’t beat Norwich at home then their fans could be forgiven for wondering if it will ever come. A price of 6/5 says they will.

In four of their last six in all competitions – including each of their last three – Brian McDermott’s men have been ahead at the break before throwing the lead away in the second half. This inability to hang on to winning positions could very easily cost them dear come the end of the season.

They’re a massive price to be in front prior to McDermott’s half-time words of wisdom; back them at 15/2 to squander another lead they’d taken in the first 45 after the sides have swapped ends.

An even more enticing 14/1 is on offer for this game to follow the pattern of Reading’s last three and see them leading at half-time but going on to draw when the final whistle is blown.

Norwich come into this game in surprisingly good form, yet remain winless on the road. A few good results at Carrow Road is hardly cause for the Royals to doubt their ability to get the better of Chris Hughton’s side on their own patch, which makes the 12/5 available for the hosts to be leading at both half and full-time a decent bet.

Ladbrokes are offering the same price for Reading to get a goal either side of half-time, while they can be backed at 9/2 to win both halves.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date