Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
After landing a 51/1 Bet Builder in United’s last FA Cup clash, we’re going again with a look at their fourth round tie against Reading on Saturday night.
The encounter at Old Trafford looks set to be incredibly one-sided given United’s recent form and Reading’s Championship status and that’s reflected in our free match predictions for this tie. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no value to be found, as we’ve ran through all the key markets to select a 74/1 Bet Builder which you can back below.
Man United vs Reading Ultimate Bet Builder
Man United vs Reading Bet Builder tips
Man United -2
This is a clear mismatch, especially after Reading lost their last game 4-0 at Stoke. United, meanwhile won 3-0 at Nottingham Forest in their last game and they’re in fine form over the last month. The Red Devils have won eight of their last 10 games, covering a -1 handicap in six of those.
This is the weakest side they’ve faced since returning to action after the World Cup. We’ve seen Erik ten Hag name strong sides for FA Cup and Carabao Cup games and he should put out a strong side to face Reading, so back them to win with a three-goal deficit or better.
Bruno Fernandes to score
Rashford is dominating the headlines for United and rightly so, but his turn in form has helped his team get better too. Bruno Fernandes – who has been freed up by Ronaldo’s departure – has had a hand in a goal in six of his last seven United appearances.
The midfielder has scored in three of his last four games – making an assist against Arsenal in the other. The Portuguese international should prove too good for the Reading defence and he’s a great bet to add to a fine run of form with another goal.
Casemiro to make an assist
The Real Madrid man wasn’t signed to be a creator, but he’s shown that element of his game in recent weeks. The Brazilian doesn’t jump out as an assist maker and he’s priced at close to 5/1 to tee up a teammate in this one, but on recent form he’s a player to watch.
Casemiro’s absence was a key factor for United in their loss at Arsenal last weekend and the midfield comes into this clash having created a goal in three of his last four appearances. He’s chipped in with four assists since the restart and has six overall for the season. Given that United are set to rack up goals in this clash, the Brazilian is a great option for an anytime assist.
Over 3.5 total cards
These two may be separated by a division, but one thing they have in common is a tendency for cards. United have recorded 50 bookings in 20 Premier League games, while they have averaged two per game across their League Cup campaign so far. Meanwhile, Reading have been carded 57 times in 28 Championship games, picking up two apiece in their two cup games to date.
The Royals will be up against it taking on a strong United side and they could see their card average take a bump based on their card-friendly season to date. Meanwhile, United aren’t strangers from the referee’s notebook and that could drive the number up, pointing to value in backing over 3.5 total cards.
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