Reading v Fulham: Don’t be surprised if this goes to extra-time

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jokanovic

After an entertaining first-leg encounter at Craven Cottage, Reading and Fulham meet at the Madjeski Stadium for part two of their Championship play-off clash.

That first tie on Saturday yielded a 1-1 draw, and left the contest finely poised.

Our odds suggest another close affair is in store, with Fulham slight favourites to progress to Wembley at 4/6, ahead of Reading at 11/10.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s men are 5/4 to win the second leg in 90 minutes, with Jaap Stam’s Royals at 2/1.

And Fulham’s edge is down to a combination of both form and a handy knack of winning on the road.

The West London outfit roared into the play-offs with five wins and a draw in their final six games, firing in 16 goals along the way.

Plus, Fulham can claim away wins at Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and champions Newcastle United this season.

But Reading are certainly not to be dismissed, having lost just twice at home all term.

An extra-time enforcing draw looks well priced at 13/5, and given Fulham’s attacking prowess (they were top-scorers in the regular campaign), both teams to score looks assured at 8/13.

A second 1-1 draw could be the pick of the bunch here at 11/2, while Draw/Draw on the Half-Time/Full-Time is 17/4, as happened at Craven Cottage.

Reading will be hoping Yann Kermorgant can find the form which saw him score 18 goals in the regular season, and the veteran forward is 9/2 favourite to score first.

Fulham’s Chris Martin is 5/1 to open the scoring, but plenty will fancy Tom Cairney to do the business at 6/1, having bagged the equaliser in the opening leg.

Having a bet on this crucial play-off clash? Check out our Headline Boosts, available from 8am on the day of the game.

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

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