Reading v Man United: Utd too strong up top for Royals

Manchester United came unstuck on their last venture away from Old Trafford when they ran into the brick wall that is Norwich City’s defence.

Solidity enabled the Canaries to claim a precious and unexpected three points, but this isn’t an aspect of Reading’s game that has shone through this season and justifies their monster 7/1 price to repeat Norwich’s feat at the Madejski.

Having finally got off the mark in the Premier League, the Royals have surrendered successive defeats to relegation rivals and are four points adrift of safety as a result.

United responded to their loss at Norwich in textbook fashion – racking up two routine victories at home and will be keen to rectify the errors they made at Carrow Road when they hit the road again.

One of these was, obviously, going a goal down. This has occurred in five of their seven away days so far, though they have recovered to win three of them. Their tendency to start slowly gives Reading something to go at early doors and punters could be tempted to have a wager on United giving up the first goal here at 9/4.

If you’re going to back that, you’d be well served having a few quid on the 7/1 that says United will come from behind at any point in the game to win as well. They’ve have done this nine times to date in all competitions this term.

Reading’s inability to hang on to leads heaps value on this price, having thrown away their advantage in three of their last five at home, including a 4-0 cushion in the Capital One Cup against Arsenal.

In general, though, their form at the Madejski has been solid. One loss in six is impressive going, but four draws detracts from it. A price of 7/2 can be had for the Royals to serve up a fifth stalemate for their fans here, while they’re a reasonable 47/25 to avoid defeat in the double chance stakes.

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