* Betting odds were correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
Reading vs Preston: Our top betting tips
Both of these teams are very close to being in the playoff places so much so that whatever side wins this game will finish the day in the top six. Who will win though? Find out with our Reading vs Preston match preview with free tips, predictions and odds mentioned along the way.
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Backing the draw
We've already cited that these two are both close to the top six and, as such, that means there is little between the sides based on the games played to date. We can't separate them here either. Reading's general form isn't as good as Preston's but they do edge the head to head record and then comes the key reason we're anticipating honours ending even – the respective home and away form. Reading have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five home games with Preston holding the exact same record across their last five on the road. With that considered, we think it's highly plausible this game ends level.
Expecting a lack of goals
Our next prediction for this match is that we will see a maximum of two goals hence we are backing under 2.5 from the total goals market. Both teams have seen three of their last five matches fall south of the 2.5 mark with both also seeing their last game end under 2.5; Reading blanked against Luton in a 0-0 draw as Preston edged Swansea 1-0. With 60% of their last five falling under 2.5 goals a bet priced at 4/6 (1.67) looks like good value to us!
Here are the key stats & form guide for Reading vs Preston
Head to Head
19/02/22
England Championship CHA
Preston
Reading
2
3
14/08/21
England Championship CHA
Reading
Preston
2
1
24/01/21
England Championship CHA
Preston
Reading
0
0
04/11/20
England Championship CHA
Reading
Preston
0
3
29/12/19
England Championship CHA
Preston
Reading
0
2
Last Five - Reading
18/03/23
England Championship CHA
Hull
Reading
1
1
D
15/03/23
England Championship CHA
Blackburn
Reading
2
1
L
11/03/23
England Championship CHA
Millwall
Reading
1
0
L
07/03/23
England Championship CHA
Sheff Utd
Reading
1
0
L
04/03/23
England Championship CHA
Middlesbrough
Reading
5
0
L
Last Five - Preston
18/03/23
England Championship CHA
Middlesbrough
Preston
4
0
L
14/03/23
England Championship CHA
Rotherham
Preston
1
2
W
11/03/23
England Championship CHA
Cardiff
Preston
0
2
W
04/03/23
England Championship CHA
Watford
Preston
0
0
D
28/02/23
England Championship CHA
Coventry
Preston
0
0
D
Playoff pushing duo do battle
Both of these teams will believe they have a good shout at making the playoffs this season and, based on where they sit in the standings right now, that's hard to disagree with. Preston are sat in seventh with 28 points with Reading, who were top not all that long ago, are down in 11th but, notably, are just two points behind their visitors with a game in hand. That makes the points on offer in this game massively valuable.
Reading are currently 11th in the league but three points here would put them fifth, which is pretty bonkers. They will need to overcome a crisis to get the win though; they've currently got six players out injured with Liam Moore and Tom McIntyre the closest to returning.
Reading Predicted lineup – Lumley, Mbengue, Holmes, Yiadom, Hoilett, Hendrick, Ejaria, Baba, Ince, Meite, Carroll
Preston arrive in this match knowing a win will not only put them in the top six but also build a little buffer between the chasing pack – including Reading. Of course, they've got to earn that win first and they will need to do so without Troy Parrott; he's injured.
Preston Predicted lineup – Woodman, Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes, Brady, McCann, Whiteman, Browne, Riis, Evans
A quickfire FAQ on Reading vs Preston
- Where is the match being hosted? – Select Car Leasing Stadium
- Who do the bookmakers have as favourites? – Reading
- What time does the match kick off? 8 PM GMT