Leeds vs Reading Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Were the season to end as things stands, these sides would be gearing up for a play-off clash against each other, which is testament to the jobs that Gary Monk and Jaap Stam are doing at their respective clubs. Both appointments were bold ones with neither blessed with a wealth of managerial experience but they are certainly paying off.

Overall though a home win here looks the most likely outcome. Reading have at times been quite fragile away from home and a bit too easy to break down. They’ve lost 44% of their away games and they’ve been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats on the road, conceding 4 or more goals in 3 away games already this term. They’ve let in 1.89 goals per game on their travels and they really can’t afford to give Leeds a head-start here, as the Yorkshire outfit have looked very good at the back and it will be hard for the Royals to fight back into the game if they fall behind.

Leeds have let in just 0.90 goals per game at home and have bagged maximum points in 5 of their last 7 Championship games at Elland Road. Their overall form is good too and they competed admirably at Brighton last time out when you consider they were reduced to 10 men in just the 23rd minute. They aren’t a particularly high-scoring side but they do have one prolific striker in Chris Wood and that can make all the difference as it gives them genuine end product. The Kiwi has really improved as a player since his early days in this league and with 10 Championship goals to his name already this term, backing Wood to score anytime at 11/8 looks a good bet here.

With home advantage, his team should just about have the edge too. Reading have taken 13 points on the road so far this season but 9 of those points have come from wins at the current bottom three sides. Against stronger opposition they’ve had problems and often big problems so backing Leeds to win at 23/20 looks to offer the best value here.