Man United v Reading: Rotated Reds will have too much for Royals

A repeat of Manchester United’s astonishing treble-winning 1998-1999 season is starting to look a possibility, and as such the Red Devils should comfortably accelerate past Reading at 1/4.

Sir Alex Ferguson will likely ring the changes for this FA Cup tie, but with a squad featuring back-up players the calibre of Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez, United should have too much class.

The Old Trafford outfit have won their last four domestic fixtures in succession, racking up nine goals in that time, and failing to concede in each of their last two.

As such, the 20/21 odds about a United clean sheet appeal, whilst the Red Devils to win without conceding tempts massively at a very generous 11/10.

Half markets could prove a useful method of turning profit on this game too, and it is 2/5 that Fergie’s charges lead at both half-time and full-time.

They have managed that feat in their last two FA Cup home games, but the ruthless Reds could prove a shrewder punt to win both halves at a big 11/8.

15 games unbeaten in all competitions, United look certainties to further extend that run against a team that has won only one league game on the road this term.

Thus, little attention is expected to be paid to the 9/1 visitors, whilst the draw doesn’t have any great appeal at 5/1 either.

A better option would look to stem from handicap markets, where the home side look easy to back giving up a head start.

It is 3/5 United turn over a one goal deficit to triumph, but the 7/5 about the Red Devils winning when starting with a theoretical two-goal disadvantage looks an even better bet.

United reached this stage with a 4-1 win at home to Fulham, but it is three-goal hauls that have been easiest to come by for them so far this season.

Indeed, Fergie’s men have registered trebles on eight occasions in the league this term, and backing them to win a race to three goals here could pay dividends at 4/5.

In terms of first scorer bets, Mexican poacher Hernandez could relish an expected return to the starting lineup, and looks overpriced at 4/1 to open the scoring.

Another option comes in the form of Ashley Young, who could notch first at 8/1 to get back into consistent first-team reckoning.

If any Reading player scores the first goal in the game, punters will get their money back on losing first scorer bets as a free bet.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.