Reading vs Blackburn Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Reading look almost nailed on for a play-off spot now, after their win over fellow promotion hopefuls Leeds on Saturday. Automatic promotion is almost certainly beyond them so they’ll really be looking to maintain good form to go into the play-offs with a bit of momentum. There is more riding on this game for struggling Blackburn but all the value looks to be found by backing Reading.

The bookies have been underestimating Reading all season you sense, particularly at home. They are rarely much shorter than Evens to win at the Madejski and they are again Evens to win this, even though their opponents are in the drop-zone. However, with a home win percentage of 65% this season, it’s hard to figure out why the bookies still don’t seem to really fancy them. Their overall form had been a little patchy but back to back wins to nil over strong opponents in the shape of Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday has put them right back on track and they head into this game full of confidence.

Reading have won 10 of their last 13 Championship home games, losing just once which puts into some perspective the challenge facing Blackburn here. Rovers made a bright start under Tony Mowbray but come into this game without a win in 5 matches and they are still in the relegation zone with only 7 games to go.

They’ve been competitive in all their matches since he took charge and their defeat at Brighton on Saturday was their first under his stewardship. Although they by no means disgraced themselves, only going down 1-0, it may just have deflated some of that early momentum. Blackburn have lost 58% of their away games this season so they don’t travel well and only 2 sides have a worse away average than their 0.63 points per game on the road.

Reading average 2.2 points per game at home, the second best home record in the league and there looks to be value in backing Reading to win at Evens.