IT'S a Championship match that's catching Sky Sports reporter Hugh Wilson's (@hugh_wilson) eye this week.
Reading v Blackpool | Saturday 15:00
Blackpool's troubles this season have been well documented. They struggled to pick up players in the summer and have accrued just six points from their opening 13 fixtures. However, I'm siding with them on Saturday as they face Reading and will be backing them to score Over 1.5 Goals.
My justification? Okay, let's start with Reading. I went to watch them at the start of the month when they faced Brentford and they were shocking that day. Despite all the star names in their team they lost 3-1 and that was fully deserved. They've lost three games on the spin now, haven't won in seven and are shipping goals for fun. Their tally of 23 goals conceded is only eclipsed by Fulham and they've leaked three in each of their last three games. I also wanted to point out that they've conceded from a corner in each of the last four games. Ideal pickings for a Blackpool centre-half!
I think Blackpool can do some damage on them on Saturday. They've been a bit unlucky this season in my opinion. I heard they gave Derby a torrid game on Tuesday night before succumbing to a late Chris Martin penalty, and let's not forget they've beaten Cardiff and drew away at high-flying Middlesbrough. If I'm honest, I still think they'll go down but don't expect them to go quietly.
I just get the impression that Blackpool are getting stronger in the final third of the pitch, and when faced with a defensively poor side like Reading, I think they'll get plenty of opportunities. Reading have conceded two or more in 5 of their last 6 matches.
Best Bets
Reading v Blackpool – Blackpool to score 2 or more goals (17/5 Coral)
