Kick-off: 1200, 18/08/2019
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Reading and Cardiff drew twice when last meeting in the Championship a couple of seasons ago and we’re expecting a similarly even contest at Madejski Stadium.
The Royals brought in some promising reinforcements over the summer in a bid to avoid another relegation battle, while the Bluebirds are eyeing a quick return to the Premier League.
Punters can get 11/5 they share the spoils on Sunday and that is our initial Reading vs Cardiff prediction.
A Look At Reading’s Betting Odds
Reading began the new campaign with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday at this venue but then showed more encouraging signs in a 2-1 defeat at Hull.
Tuesday’s penalty shoot-out win at Wycombe in the EFL Cup was a boost to morale, with Rafael Cabral saving from both Nick Freeman and Fred Onyedinma.
Alex Samuel threatened a shock for the League One side in normal time before Romania forward George Puscas levelled with his first goal in English football.
“I now have very good problems for Sunday,” said Royals boss Jose Gomes. “I have options, we have a long season ahead of us and I have decisions to take. It is a very good thing.”
We do feel the Royals are in better shape than last term and 23/4 for a 1-1 draw stands out from the Reading vs Cardiff odds.
A Look At Cardiff City’s Betting Odds
After dropping down from the top flight, Cardiff were edged out 3-2 at Wigan first up, before recovering to beat Luton 2-1 in Wales.
Isaac Vassell, a deadline-day capture from Birmingham, enjoyed a dream debut when heading home Junior Hoilett’s cross to score a last-gasp winner.
“I thought we showed a lot of character,” said Neil Warnock. “We had five players on debut and had nervous characters before game, but I thought we really grew into it.
“They took their chance in the second half and made it difficult for us, but we didn’t sulk.
“Junior came on and delivered a great ball and it was nice to see Isaac finish it.”
City should be pushing for a place in the play-offs, at least, but could still be a touch vulnerable on the road while they fully gel together.
Let’s complete our Reading vs Cardiff betting tips by taking 18/5 for the scores to be level at half-time and full-time.
Additional stats
Last result:
Wycombe 1-1 READING (2-4 on pens) – George Puscas
CARDIFF 2-1 Luton – Aden Flint, Isaac Vassell
Head-to-head: Cardiff 0-0 Reading, Reading 2-2 Cardiff, Reading 2-1 Cardiff, Cardiff 0-1 Reading
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