Reading vs. Luton Town: Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 19)
Initial Thoughts
It’s third from the top against third from the bottom in the English Football Championship, as relegation strugglers Reading welcome automatic promotion chasing Luton Town on Wednesday night.
The Narrative
Reading FC have been in all kinds of trouble both on and off the pitch in reason, with the club hit with multiple points deductions and a transfer embargo after breaching the terms of a business plan set by the English Football League.
Last week, ex-Man United hardman Paul Ince was sacked as manager of the club after the Royals conceded a 91st minute goal against Preston to make it eight games on the bounce without a win.
That loss saw the club drop into the relegation zone for the first time this season, and former Reading striker Noel Hunt was appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.
Hunt got off to an impressive start, guiding his side to a goalless draw against Vincent Kompany’s already promoted Burnley on the weekend.
That result means the Royals still haven't won a game since overcoming Blackpool in a 3-1 home win back in February. But Hunt will draw some solace from the fact that only three points separated them from Rotherham, who currently sit four spots higher in the league, and with whom they’d draw level with a win on Wednesday night.
Luton Town arrive in this fixture knowing that only three points against Reading will keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.
Five points adrift of second-placed Sheffield United, the Hatters are on a ten game unbeaten run, and have lost only three times in 21 matches since Rob Edwards took over as manager in late November last year.
Luton are five points short of Sheffield United in the last automatic promotion spot, and they’ve played one more game then their northern rivals.
That means a playoff spot is the more likely outcome of Luton’s season, but Edwards’ side will continue to hunt the No.2 spot in the league table as long as they can.
Nuts and Bolts
Luton Town boast the second-best away record in the Championship this season, having racked up 39 points from 21 games on the road this campaign.
Edwards’ side haven’t lost an away fixture in 2023, and they’ve failed to score on the road only once since November last year.
Reading have managed three draws on the bounce at the Madejski Stadium, and hitman Andy Carroll has two goals and one assist in his last four starts. But Noel Hunt’s side have amassed just two wins in their last nine matches in front of their home fans this year.
The Royals did well to ground out a draw against Burnley, but Kompany’s team could afford to take their foot off the gas having already secured a passage to the Premier League next season.
Luton Town still have their eyes on that prize, and will likely be too much for Reading to handle on Wednesday.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
The Eagles are the far stronger side in the matchup and we’re backing them for the win on Wednesday.
Both teams to score & Over 2.5 goals (+185)
With both sides badly needing three points this should be an open game with plenty of goalmouth action.
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