Reading vs Newcastle Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Newcastle will be able to really start thinking about life back in the Premier League if they can grab all three points here. Reading have a strong home record but the Magpies have much more genuine quality in their ranks and should have enough to keep their stunning away record up with another win.

Heading into last week’s trip to Brighton, Newcastle fans might just have been a little anxious approaching easily the biggest 8 days in their season, particularly with top scorer Dwight Gayle out injured. Three successive away games against other automatic promotion contenders had the potential to really rock their bid for an immediate return to the top flight. As it has turned out, so far at least, it has been the week when Newcastle have really shown their metal and taken a strong grip on the title race.

They’ve had to survive heavy pressure at times from both Brighton and Huddersfield but Newcastle were much the more clinical side in both games and will come into this game full of confidence. They’ve won an outstanding 72% of their away games in the Championship this term, averaging 2.28 points per game on their travels, which is far superior to anyone else in the division.

Gayle marked his return from injury by coming off the bench to score Newcastle’s 3rd goal at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday. He averages a goal every 87 minutes in the Championship this term, which clearly is exceptional and will surely reclaim his place in the starting line-up here. Given that, backing Gayle to score anytime at Evens looks a decent bet.

Reading are having a fine season too and boast a 67% home win ratio. However, Brighton and Huddersfield could also quote similar figures going into their home games with Newcastle, and both came up short. Of the sides in the top six, Reading are arguably the weakest on paper and the bookies certainly don’t seem to fancy them, with their odds to win promotion still out at 7/1.

They’ve had a lot of success this season by beating the weaker teams but often have come up a bit short against top six opposition. They’ve lost 4 of their 7 games against sides currently in the top six and that includes a heavy defeat at Newcastle earlier this term. The Magpies will come here full of confidence and belief and backing Newcastle to Win at 21/20 looks to offer great value.