Reading v Middlesbrough predictions: Boro can dethrone Royals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Reading v Middlesbrough in the Championship on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Middlesbrough draw no bet
2pts 4-5 general

Match preview

Middlesbrough have taken just nine points from eight Championship games but they have plenty of time to make an impression on the top six and can edge closer with victory over Reading.

Neil Warnock's side triumphed 2-0 at Nottingham Forest on their last road trip but they will have to brace themselves for more of a test from Reading, who were shock 2-1 winners at Fulham last Saturday and are the league's third-highest scorers with 15 goals.

Reading's main problem is their shaky defence, which has been undermined by injuries to centre-backs Tom Holmes, Michael Morrison, Tom McIntyre and Liam Moore.

Morrison and Holmes sustained their injuries last weekend, dealing a huge blow to Veljko Paunovic's hopes of guiding his team to a third successive win.

The Royals have conceded 18 league goals and their under-strength defence could be exposed by a Boro side eager to get their playoff push back on track.

Key stat

Middlesbrough have won eight of their last nine matches against Reading

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