Reading vs Brentford Predictions

• Brentford have scored the most goals (67) and conceded the second-fewest (33) in the league this term.
• Reading have managed only one win in their last seven home matches.
• Only Hull and Barnsley have fewer home points than Reading.
• Brentford have won each of their last three league games to nil.

Beeline for second

Brentford have made an excellent start since returning to action, claiming consecutive wins to pile the pressure on the top-two. While automatic promotion looked unlikely for Thomas Frank and his men a couple of weeks ago, their win over West Brom on Friday has marked the Bees out as the team to watch during the run in.

A top-two finish would be well deserved for Brentford. They are the highest scorers in the Championship this season, netting 67 goals. That’s something we’ve always expected from them, but since Frank replaced Dean Smith they’re among the best at the back too. Only Leeds (32) have conceded fewer this season than the Bees (33). That brilliant balance means we’re siding with the visitors in our predictions.

Vulnerable Royals

The hosts have kept themselves clear of danger this season, while another point would see them hit the magic 50 mark. However, they have missed plenty of opportunities at home to get over the line. The hosts have been beaten on nine occasions at their own ground this season. Only Hull and Barnsley have fewer points at home this term. The Royals also did little to improve their situation in their 2-1 loss to Derby on Saturday.

Reading have won just one of their last seven home league games (D3 L3), with that victory coming against Barnsley in February. With losses at home to Fulham, West Brom and Leeds so far this season, we don’t think they’ll step up to stop this excellent Brentford side.

Solid Brentford

The Bees have won their last three in the Championship without conceding. We expect them to continue that run as they look to continue the pressure on the top two. Brenford showed guile and precision in their win over Fulham, while they’re the side who can really thrive in silent away stadiums. We’re backing Brentford to claim a win as our first prediction on this clash.

Given Brentford’s excellent defensive form, we see them coming out of this trip with a solid result. They’ve let in just 18 goals in their 20 matches away from Griffin Park, so they should be well placed to hold firm at the Madjeski. Meanwhile, with Watkins and co. making Brentford brilliant at the other end, they should be able to punish the Royals. We are backing a 2-0 victory for the visitors in our correct score prediction.