Bookie Watch: Leeds (H)

In the first home game of the season, we take on a Leeds United side, who so far this season have had 2 draws, 1 in the cup on Thursday evening vs Doncaster, ultimately losing on penalties. The 2nd being on the opening day with 2 late goals giving them a 1-1 draw.

Last weekend unfortunately didn't work out for Bookie Watch with the draw tip being hounded out in the final minute by a poor penalty by Sa, followed up by an equally, if not worse, rebound by Simon Cox in the final minute. Hopefully we can make reprimands this weekend and pull back that deficit from last week.

During the week, the Royals once again looked weak up top, and although Clarke has bought in a creative winger in Hurtado, he is unable to play this weekend, and it seems likely a lack of width will still haunt Reading this weekend. Reading to score 1 goal or less is in the market this weekend at 7/10 and looks a solid bet given the lack of power going forwards still for Reading.

The Royals have been well backed coming into this weekend and are heavy favourites for the game at 11/10, however the option on Leeds to take all three points at a high value 7/2 is something which is tough to ignore. Despite the quick turnaround from their penalty loss, Leeds do look a strong side on paper, and have started solidly, if not spectacular and deserve more credit than the 7/2 the odds they have been given.

Leeds however will be coming up against what appears to be, a solid Reading defence, and I can see the early part of the game being played out largely with long balls and hopeful crosses into the box. Reading should have the height and power to negate these, and the 7/4 available on a half time score of 0-0 is well worth a look this weekend.

Having started every game so far and featuring heavily in pre season, it may just be that Nick Blackman, despite his protestations, does actually have something to prove, a good bet would be on him getting another goal at 5/2 at anytime during the match with it giving a small bit of value.

Recommended bets

Reading to score less than 2 - 7/10 2pts
Leeds to win 7/2 0.5pts
0-0 HT - 7/4 1pt

Bank

Current bank - 91.5pts
In play - 6.5pts
Staked - 3.5pts
New bank - 88.0pts

Please remember to gamble responsibly.