Manchester United v Reading Preview - United Should win Despite Plenty of Changes

Manchester United v Reading
FA Cup
Old Trafford, Manchester
Monday 18 February, 2013
20:00 GMT

Manchester United will be looking to back up a positive result against Real Madrid last week with a win over Reading. Reading will be anticipating United making several changes which will give them a much better chance of causing an upset.

Manchester United Preview

United go into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid. They absolutely strolled past Fulham in the last round thanks to a 4-1 win and they have only lost a single Premier League game at home all season which was the poor performance against Tottenham Hotspur. In this form, betting online on United is an easy way to turn a profit, but United are mindful not to take any game lightly, especially a seemingly easy tie against Reading at home.

Injuries and Suspensions

Darren Fletcher is definitely out of this game as he won’t play again this season and Paul Scholes is likely to miss out with a knee problem. Otherwise United have a clean bill of health which means Sir Alex Ferguson is free to make several changes in all areas of the team.

United are the odds on favourites with the bookies at a best price of 1/4.

Reading Preview

Reading were far too good for Sheffield United in the last round as they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. However, the club’s away record in the league is appalling as they have taken points from just three matches, losing a staggering ten times away from home.

Injuries and Suspensions

Alex McCarthy will not make a return to the team for this tie as he’s struggling with a shoulder problem and Jason Roberts is likely to miss out with a hip injury. Everyone else in the registered Reading squad looks good to go which means Brian McDermott can field his full strength side.

United are 5/2 to win the FA Cup for a record 12th time.

Manchester United v Reading Statistics

That defeat against Spurs is the only blip on United’s home record this season in the Premier League. They have won their other 12 games and have scored 34 goals in the process which is more than any other side.

Reading’s away form has been abysmal but they will take confidence from the fact this is a cup tie. They will also look at the fact they have only conceded two more away goals than Liverpool so far this season in the league.

Head to Head: The last time these two teams met at Old Trafford was during the 2007/2008 season when Reading managed a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. United won the league match between these sides 4-3 earlier on in the season.

Recent Form

United are unbeaten throughout February with back-to-back wins followed by the draw away at Real Madrid. They also finished with consecutive wins in January following the draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.

Reading have a record of won one and lost one so far this month. They seemed to turn their form around in January with four wins from their last five matches and a draw at home to Chelsea when they were 2-0 down.

Manchester United v Reading Prediction

Reading may feel they have an edge in terms of being slightly fresher but United have a big squad and can afford to make plenty of changes. Their home record should see them over the line so expect a comfortable home win. Manchester United 3-0 Reading.