Reading - Scunthorpe

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.

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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

Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

Sheffield United are 10^th, seven points far from play-off zone. They have had two problems recently. Their sensationally bad run on the road. Seven consecutive defeats (one goal scored) and two draws in last two games. And injury crisis that forced them to loan players. But, situation has been improved on that field as skipper and key defender Chris Morgan returns to the squad after suspension. Boss Blackwell was forced to play with just one player in attack, Richard Cresswell (4 goals in last 3 home games). For today’s game two important players will have a late fitness test, key striker Darius Henderson and another striker Henri Camara. I expect Henderson from the start. Blades last time lost at home 2^nd November (0-1 vs. Newcastle) and since than have 8 wins and 3 draws. Also, they have kept clean sheets in eight of their last 11 home league games.

 

Scunny are 20^th with five points more than clubs in relegation zone (have a game in the hand) and it seems they’re on the good way too keep the status. They’ve noticed two crucial wins in last two rounds against direct opponents from the bottom, Plymouth and Peterborough. However, it is fair to say one of those was hit by injury crisis and second is far worst in the Championship. Also, their record on the road is not something that should be proud with. They’ve noticed just 12 points (just Posh are worse) and conceded 42 goals (the biggest number in the league). Major concern for manager Adkins is condition of best player and key striker, Gary Hooper after his injury. Interesting thing is Adkins removed his main man from the squad for match vs. Newcastle on the road, as he kept him from potential injury and for more important games. I won’t be surprised to see same thing again.

 

Scunny will fight, they need points but feel safe as Palace continued with their free fall. On the other hand hosts are chasing play-off. They definitely have quality for that, I expect very strong squad for this game and in such occasions, Bramall Lane  become a hell place for visiting teams. I predict a win with few goals margin and choose -1 ah. 2.09 at Pinnacle.

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Scunthorpe - Crystal Palace

Scunny are slowly moving away from relegation zone. They sit at 17th place, seven points far from the line. They’re in the excellent run of results as they’ve noticed four wins and a draw in last five league games. Even in Cup defeat against Man.City (2-4), team made an excellent display with no respect and fighting spirit. In previous round they defeated QPR on the road (1-0). Players are full of confidence, while boss Nigel Adkins has almost all players fit and available. Only concern is defender David Mirfin with a hamstring problem, but new signing Michael Raynes is ready to replace him.

From serious play-off challenger, Palace became a contender for relegation. Dropping into administration and 10 points deduction made the Eagles are now 20th with just four points far from relegation zone. They’re also in good shape as they have just one defeat in last nine competitive games. Last one was Cup victory against Wolves. However, financial worries and relegation fight could make a big mentally impact on Warnock’s young starlets. Second worry is limited number of players. Warnock probably won’t use all places for substitutes, while the best eleven played tough game at Tuesday (Scunny didn’t). And last smaller clubs have a problem (that became a rule), after big win usually comes big down. Alan Lee suffered a head injury against Wolves but will be patched up in order to partner Butterfield in attack.

Scunthorpe currently play as a title contender. In last 4 matches they have collected 10 points from possible 12, while Hayes and Hooper consist a killer duo in attack. Smaller and low quality pitch is a place where only hosts can pass. I give a clear advantage to Scunny and expect a home win, but suggest dnb as a bet. However, home win remains as a gamble.

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