Man City vs Reading – Heroic Royals to bow out in style
Published:Manchester City have only won four of their eight cup games in 2011 but still stand a fighting chance of winning two trophies. Their pursuit of FA Cup glory continues on Sunday afternoon against Championship club Reading.
Match odds
Reading have knocked four Premier League teams out of the FA Cup over the last two years and in doing so have taken care of Liverpool and Everton on Merseyside, yet are 7/1 to enjoy another memorable away day at Eastlands.
The reason is that, despite being held on the road by both Leicester and Notts County in this year’s competition, Manchester City have been imperious at home, winning nine of their last ten and at times proving untouchable.
The Citizens are 4/11 to book a place at Wembley, and while Reading won three of their four collisions as Premier League adversaries, it’s tough to oppose a side whose aggregate score in their last six fixtures as hosts has been 16-1. The draw is 19/5.
Total goals
Roberto Mancini’s side have scored three goals or more in six of their last eight matches at Eastlands and are 5/4 to fire over 2.5 times against Reading.
The Royals look to have what it takes to deny Manchester City what would be their 12th clean sheet in 16 in front of their fans though, having found the net in their last eight away games, scoring 16 in total in that period.
Both teams to score can be backed at 10/11, while over 3.5 goals also appears well worth considering at 7/4, as it has been a feature of three of the Citizens’ FA Cup ties.
Shane Long is 5/2 to add to the seven goals he has scored in his last eight appearances and be the visitors‘ hero. For Manchester City, Edin Dzeko appeals at 3/1 to grab the opener having netted in both previous FA Cup outings.
A £25 bet on Long striking would provide a £43.75 profit. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
