Swansea head across the border to Reading in the Championship on Tuesday. James Cantrill previews the game, picking out his best bet.
Football betting tips: Championship
1.5pts Reading draw no bet at 1/1 (General)
When Viktor Gyokeres helped himself to his 10th league goal of the campaign in Swansea's last game, it looked like the Welsh side were dead and buried.
With 55 minutes on the clock, the Swans found themselves 3-0 down to Coventry yet fought back to nick a point against the Sky Blues with goals from Joel Piroe, Jay Fulton and Liam Cullen ensuring they left with a share of the spoils.
In truth, Russell Martin's side should consider themselves unlucky to have picked up only a point in their two games post-World Cup as his side have generated an xG of 5.20 to their opponents' 2.43.
Their comeback against Coventry showed they can turn possession into goals and the nature of it will see them brimming with confidence.
Kick-off time: 17:15 GMT, Tuesday
TV Channel: Sky Sports Main Event
Reading 9/5 | Draw 23/10 | Swansea 6/4
The Royals have defied all odds this campaign.
Financial difficulties off the field has meant they flirted with relegation last season, dropping from seventh the campaign prior.
As Paul Ince, someone that had not managed in 11 seasons, took charge at the Madejski, they were touted by many for the drop.
But, spearheaded by son Tom, 32 points from 23 games puts Ince's team in 12th and exceeding expectations.
Over two thirds of those points have been secured at home, where READING having only tasted defeat in the Championship twice.
Their home form is the fourth best in the division, only leaders Burnley, third-placed Blackburn and Millwall have picked picked up more points on their own patch then the Royals (22).
While their recent form has been patchy, winning as many times as they have lost over the last four, I think their price for DRAW NO BET is too large here.
Swansea will come into this with their tails up, but they are not a side that travels well.
You have to go back to the start of October, seven league games ago, for their most recent league win on the road.
Reading v Swansea best bets and score prediction
- 1.5pts Reading draw no bet at 1/1 (General)
Score prediction: Reading 2-1 Swansea (Sky Bet odds: 9/1)
Odds correct at 1200 GMT (23/12/22)
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