Reading v Cardiff: Championship betting preview, free tips and TV details

TV: Sky Sports Football, midday Sunday

Cardiff have retained the services of Neil Warnock for the 2019-20 season and the experienced manager is likely to be aiming for a return to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

If they are to mount a promotion push, the Bluebirds will be expecting to pick up three points when they take on Reading and bookmakers rate them favourites to do just that in this Sky Bet Championship clash at the Madejski Stadium.

Warnock has retained the bulk of the squad that was relegated from the top flight last season while at the same time bolstering the defence with the signing of Aden Flint and giant German Robert Glatzel adds to an already powerful attack.

Despite those additions, Cardiff have made a mixed start to the new campaign, losing away at Wigan before redeeming themselves against Luton last time out. Reading, meanwhile, have begun with defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull.

Royals boss Jose Manuel Gomes favours a possession-heavy style of football which, a poor start aside, has largely worked in his time in charge of the Berkshire outfit.

Reading were in trouble when he took over from Paul Clement in December 2018 but the Portuguese made the most of a limited squad to guide his team to safety. They were particularly strong at home in the second half of last season, losing just once on their own patch after a 4-1 defeat against Swansea on New Year’s Day.

The Royals have since strengthened, bringing in Lucas Joao from Sheffield Wednesday and breaking their transfer record to sign George Puskas from Inter, and their two early defeats were not without promise.

They were better than Wednesday on expected goals on the opening day despite the 3-1 loss and there was little between them and Hull last weekend on the same statistic. Cardiff are the right favourites, but a draw looks the better bet.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 23-10 Betfred, Betway, Hills

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Reading
Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael, who played the hero role in an EFL Cup penalty shootout victory against Wycombe on Tuesday, should retain his place. Tyler Blackett remains out and Jordan Obita is unlikely to feature despite returning to fitness after a long-term knee injury.

Cardiff
Joe Ralls has recovered from a mystery illness but is unlikely to take part so Leandro Bacuna could come into the midfield while Isaac Vassell should feature at some stage.

Key stat
Reading have lost two of their last 11 home matches.

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