Reading vs Preston North End Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 16/10/2019, 00:10  by Donal Kearns | Modified on 16/10/2019 at 17:38 in Championship Prediction

Preston are on the up after a magnificent campaign under Alex Neil. They’ve been written off at plenty of stages this season, but the Deepdale side remain third in the Championship. It remains to be seen if they can continue their great form in the long term, but they are expected to add to their impressive start when they head to the Madjeski Stadium this weekend. Reading are in the midst of a torrid run of form, which has done for fan-favourite boss Jose Gomes. Despite their drop into the bottom three, there were many Reading fans who didn’t want to see Gomes depart. However, this campaign is all about survival for the home side now – which is familiar ground. Gomes was the saviour last season, now it’s former Sporting Director Mark Bowen who has stepped in. However, the pressure is already on the new man, who had to reject claims that he appointed himself after interviewing other candidates for the job. Preston are looking comfortable at the other end of the table, having put themselves just a point shy of top spot thanks to some magnificent form. Before the international break, Preston put five goals past Barnsley, another side who are in relegation danger. The visitors have scored a combined eight goals against Reading’s fellow bottom three sides, while the visitors have scored over two goals per game this term. Given that Reading have conceded 65% of their total goals this season at home, this could be a tough game for the hosts. They have shipped nine goals in the opening 30 minutes of matches this season, scoring just once in return. Meanwhile, Preston have scored the opening goal in 80% of their away games this season, only failing to score in the first half once. The Royals have scored in only one home game before the break, losing 60% of their games here after 45 minutes.