Reading have been significantly improving under Brian McDermott (in charge since last December). In pre-season, they defeated Wolves 2-1 and S’ton on the road 4-2 and raised self confidence. Squad’s quality should guarantee a fight for a play-off. Federici is, in my opinion, best goalie in the second tier. Sigurdsson scored a bunch (think 17) from midfield role, Simon Church and Shane Long have a future in Premier as well as few more players. McDermott worries about the fitness of some players. Ingimarsson, Kebe and Noel Hunt should be fit, Chris Armstrong is out..
Scunny’s survival from previous season was a miracle, not surprise. But, problem is they lost attacking duo Paul Hayes (went to Preston) and their talisman Gary Hooper (Celtic) who were keeping them over the line. There’s still enough time to hire some players, but at this moment they’re contender number one to relegate. Their hope, as always, will be home turf Glanford Park. Last season, they collected only 15 points on the road of 23 games (16 defeats)! Skipper and right back Cliffe Byrne will probably miss this one, along with new loan signing Nolan.
Reading probably couldn’t wish a better rival for the season opener. Scunny will probably try to defend with all players waiting for set-pieces (as they were doing whole last season), but when they concede first the game will be over. I see a few goals margin.
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Bet: Reading -1ah
Stake: 8/10
Odd: 1.93 Pinnacle