Liverpool v Reading predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Liverpool v Reading predictions Premier League England, England	20/10/2012 16:00	full time result	Liverpool win	1.36	Bet at Ladbrokes
Betting prediction was written by Matt

Liverpool v Reading predictions and preview: Betting stats

Liverpool are 14^th in the Premier League with 6 points from their first 7 games (W1 D3 L3) and their recent form reads LDLWD. The fixture list wasn’t kind to them, throwing up a first three home games of Man City, Arsenal & Man Utd. So far they have won no games at home and just gained 2 points. Their games have averaged 3 goals with 4 over 2.5 goals and 3 under.

Reading have played one game fewer than Liverpool thanks to their postponed away match at Sunderland. They sit 18^th with just 3 points (W0 D3 L3) and their form of LLLDD is poor but clearly improving of late. They have played 3 away matches this season and have lost two and drawn one. Their games have seen as many goals as Liverpool’s but in one game fewer so have averaged 3.50 goals; 4 over 2.5 and 2 under.

In terms of head-to-head record at Anfield, Liverpool are yet to lose a game to Reading in normal time (only defeat coming after extra time in an FA Cup Replay). The 90-minute record is 3 Liverpool wins, 1 draw, no Reading wins with 14 goals in the 4 games, so an average of 3.5 goals a game.

Team News and Run of Play

Liverpool lost Fabio Borini during the international break as he reportedly broke a metatarsal. That could be a long-term absence depending on the severity of the break. World class goalkeeper Pepe Reina is also a doubt for this game after picking up an injury on international duty with Spain. Left back Luis Enrique could return to the fold and Brendan Rodgers would welcome an out-and-out senior left back. Lucas Leiva and Martin Kelly are out for the foreseeable future, the latter until at least next year. Reading should see the return of Mikele Leigertwood but Adam Federici isn’t fully fit yet. I doubt whether he would return to the first team anyway after Alex McCarthy’s recent performances.

Liverpool may not have any home wins but the statistics are skewed as no other team will have the misfortune of starting against last season’s top three. They would know that getting results in those games are key in trying to break into the top four but I think Rodgers and the ownership know that probably won’t be happening this year. I think it’s likely Liverpool will forget their last game (0-0 at home to Stoke) and try to build on the 5-2 victory at Norwich the previous week.

Reading have probably expected to be where they sit in the table so far. They have succumbed to three defeats this season and those have all been against teams near the top of the table. Their start hasn’t been easy but it must be said they probably should have beaten Swansea in their previous match. Throwing away a 2-0 lead would leave the players deflated and they will need to work miracles to get their first win here.

Liverpool will undoubtedly have a big share of possession as they try to control the game from their pass-happy midfield of Gerrard, Allen and most likely Shelvey. Reading have the ability to score goals against Chelsea so I think they can probably get a goal or two against Liverpool but I believe their defence might not be able to cope with Suarez’s darting runs. If the Uruguayan can stay on his feet he will probably score at least one.

Liverpool v Reading predictions: 1X2 betting preview

I think we will see Liverpool’s first Premier League home win here. They have struggled against the top teams but Reading are certainly not a top team. I am unsure as to how Reading will try and go about this game but I suspect they won’t ‘park the bus’ like Stoke did in the last league game at Anfield. My 1X2 bet is Liverpool.

If you also think Brendan Rodgers will get his first home league win as Liverpool boss, bet it at odds of 1.36 with Ladbrokes.

Liverpool v Reading predictions: Asian Handicap preview

If Liverpool take the lead early in this game I can see them trying to score a few to put the game to rest as I’m sure they know that Pogrebnyak, Le Fondre and Noel Hunt can pop up with a goal at any time. I do however think Liverpool will have enough to see off Reading with ease and win by 2 clear goals.

If you agree then Liverpool (-1.5) is 1.93 with 188bet.

Liverpool v Reading predictions: Total Goals preview

This game pits two of the more leaky defences in the league up against one another and I think that Luis Suarez could have a field day against this Reading back line and I don’t feel totally confident that Liverpool will keep a clean sheet either. Over 2.5 goals looks a bet at 1.65 with bet365 but perhaps better value for you guys lies in the over 3.5 goals market.

If you agree that we’ll see 4 or more goals at Anfield then bet it at 2.63 with bet365.