20:00 Friday

Birmingham City vs Reading Stats

  • Reading have failed to hit the back of the net in nearly half of their away league outings
  • At home, Birmingham City’s opponents are averaging 2.55 yellow cards per match
  • At least one side has failed to score in seven of Reading’s league away matches

 

Birmingham City vs Reading Prediction:

Betting Tip: Both teams to score no

Just a single goal was produced collectively in both of these sides' respective fixtures last time out in the Championship as Birmingham City were held to a 0-0 draw away to Blackpool, whilst Reading secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Coventry.

Now the Blues will go toe-to-toe with the Royals at St. Andrews, and I think Reading could struggle to make an impact here. On the road, Paul Ince’s men have been less than impressive and have struggled to get themselves on the scoresheet. Across their 11 road trips, they’ve drawn blanks on five occasions and have scored twice or more in just two of those 11 outings.

Meanwhile, the hosts have scored in eight of their 11 home league fixtures and boss John Eustace will be looking forward to returning to home soil where they’re conceding less than a goal per game on average.

Reading possess the third worst away form in the division and with Birmingham’s matches averaging the joint lowest number of goals per game, I think there is a good chance at least one of these sides fails to hit the back of the net.

Both Teams to Score - No - 1pt @ 20/23

Betting Tip: Reading most cards

I’ll dip into the card markets for my second pick in this Friday night clash in the Championship.

Nine of the last 11 Championship visitors to this venue have seen at least two or more bookings, with five of those seeing three or more and Reading have been awarded 11 yellow cards across their last four away matches alone.

I don’t expect this one to be cards galore but I do think the visitors will likely get frustrated and have to commit some cynical challenges. Birmingham City’s opponents are averaging 2.55 yellow cards per match and I think even if Reading were to pick up just two cards, that might be enough to win the count.

Referee Tim Robinson has awarded 60 yellow cards across 14 Championship matches, with the away side seeing the majority in four of his last six appearances.

I’m leaning towards Birmingham as the more likely to gain a positive result and I think under pressure, Reading look good to see the lion's share of the cards.

Birmingham City vs Reading Lineups

Predicted lineups will be released in due course.

Birmingham City vs Reading Score Prediction:

Birmingham City 2-0 Reading