Fulham vs Reading Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview
Fulham play host to Reading in a Championship Play-Off Semi-Final 1st Leg clash at Craven Cottage this Saturday evening. Read the match predictions to find out why a home win is the betting tip in this crucial encounter. The Cottagers finished seventh in the table, 5 points behind the third-placed Royals and will be banking on their home advantage to get the upper-hand in this tie.
Fulham vs Reading Preview
Fulham have the advantage of a fully-fit squad to pick from, meaning Slavisa Jokanovic can select his ideal starting XI. Chris Martin is back from suspension, so looks set to start up-front and scored twice against Reading earlier in the campaign. Neeskens Kebano and Ryan Sessegnon will battle it out for the left-wing berth while Ryan Fredericks and Stefan Johansen are expected to be recalled.
Reading look set to be without Garath McCLeary as he continues to struggle with a groin problem. Callum Harriott is sidelined with a hamstring problem while Sandro Wieser and striker Deniss Rakels are also in the treatment room. Paul McShane and Joey van den Berg returned from injury last time out and will be monitored ahead of kick-off.
Team Predictions Fulham vs Reading
Fulham 4-2-3-1 formation: Bettinelli; Malone, Ream, Kalas, Fredericks; McDonald, Johansen; Sessegnon, Cairney, Aluko; Martin
Reading 3-5-2 formation: Al Habsi; Blackett, McShane, Moore; Obita, Kelly, Williams, Evans, Gunter; Kermorgant, Mendes
Fulham vs Reading Betting Tips
- Fulham have won 6 drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Reading have won 7 drawn 0 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Fulham have scored an average of 2.2 goals and conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Reading have scored an average of 1.9 goals and conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Fulham’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Reading’s previous 10 matches
Fulham vs Reading Prediction
Fulham finished the regular season with a flourish and come into this match on a five game unbeaten run. The Cottagers also trounced Reading 5-0 at Craven Cottage in December, so will be high on confidence ahead of this match. Slavisa Jokanovic can select his best side here, with a full compliment to choose from.
Reading’s home form was good enough to see them into the playoffs but they’ve looked suspect on the road. The Royals have lost five of their last eight on the road and conceded three or more goals in four of those defeats. Jaap Stam also has a bit of a selection headache and must choose his tactics wisely.
Fulham have won five of their last six Championship matches and have a good record against Reading, winning each of the previous three meetings at this venue. I can see the home side taking an advantage into the second leg and the tip is a Fulham victory.
Free Betting Tips
Match Prediction
FULHAM at 4/6 with Betfred
Over/Under Prediction
OVER 2.5 GOALS at 3/4 with bwin
Correct Score Prediction
FULHAM 2-1 at 8/1 with BetVictor
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