English Premier
2012-08-18 - Reading vs Stoke City FC
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Reading won the English Championship last season to return to the Premier League and will host Stoke at the Madjeski Stadium.
It will not be easy against a Stoke side who are hard to beat and will be looking to continue their fifth Premiership season.
Reading enjoyed a fantastic second half of the 2011/12 season as they managed up to 15 wins in their final 20 matches to clinch the league title ahead of long-time leaders Southampton.
Brian McDermott came as an unknown to replace the then sacked Brendan Rodgers and after two and a half years he managed to bring them back to the Premiership.
And during the summer McDermott has strengthened in every position as Reading, who played two seasons in the top-flight between 2006 and 2008, he will be eager to prove the critics wrong that they are favourites for the drop.
McDermott brought in Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak from under the noses of Fulham, where he scored six goals in 12 Premier League games. Meanwhile, ex-England left-back Nicky Shorey has returned to the club.
For Tony Pulis, he has changed Stoke into an established top-flight club alongside an FA Cup final appearance and a Europa League campaign.
However, last season's 14th-place finish was Stoke's worst since returning to England's top division and Pulis has fine-tuned his squad on a limited budget during the summer as he aims to break back into the top 10.
Players such as Jonathan Woodgate, Danny Collins and Ricardo Fuller had to be shifted to allow Pulis to freshen up his side. Tricky winger Michael Kightly has been signed from Wolves to provide ammunition from the flanks for striker Peter Crouch, while central midfielder Jamie Ness also looks an exciting buy as Stoke fans demand more success from their side this season.
Team News :
Reading Team News :
Mikele Leigertwood and Danny Guthrie are set to start in Reading's midfield against the Potters, while McDermott must decide whether to include Jem Karacan in his side. Meanwhile, midfielder Karacan is at best likely to start from the bench after recovering from a broken leg.
Reading will be without Jimmy Kebe (hamstring) and Jason Roberts, who serves a two-match ban.
Stoke Team News :
Stoke defender Robert Huth could start, despite his recent spell in hospital after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. Pulis will assess Huth and winger Jermaine Pennant, who is struggling with a thigh strain, prior to kickoff.
New signings Kightly and Ness could make their debuts but defender Geoff Cameron will not rejoin the squad until next week after having to stay in the US to sort out his visa.
Predictions :
Take Reading to get off with a win in their first start after promotion.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Reading 2-1 Stoke
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Reading to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Go for Reading to win and and give the -1/4 ball handicap away.
Go for Reading to win and and give the -1/4 ball handicap away.
