Manchester United v Reading: Different line-up, same result for United

18Feb 2013

FA Cup

Such is the strength in depth amongst Manchester United's squad Mike Norman doesn't believe a rotated side will stop the Red Devils putting The Royals to the sword on Monday night...

Manchester United v Reading

Monday 20:00, live on ESPN

When Sir Alex Ferguson announces in a pre-match press conference that his current squad of players is the best he's ever had, then you are on very safe ground in assuming he's going to make changes for the next game.

On a side note, when Sir Alex says that his current squad is even better than the treble-winning one of 1999 then you know exactly what's on the great man's mind.

With the title seemingly in the bag, and this home fixture against Reading in the FA Cup, United are not too badly priced at 16.0 to do the treble this season.

With the Red Devils not playing again until next Saturday there's no real reason for Sir Alex to ring the changes for the visit of The Royals on Monday night, but make changes is exactly what he'll do.

Nemanja Vidic - surprisingly left out of the squad that faced Real Madrid last Wednesday - is likely to captain the side, while either Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney will drop to the bench to make way for Javier Hernandez. Anderson, Nani, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young are all expected to play a big part in the game.

Reading have given themselves a chance of beating the drop with some stunning comebacks in recent weeks, though still sitting in the relegation zone you have to wonder if Brian McDermott will 'protect' his better players ahead of Saturday's huge encounter with Wigan.

Veteran striker Jason Roberts (hip), and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) are definitely out of contention to play however, while Jimmy Kebe and Mikele Leigertwood are carrying knocks and are both rated doubtful.

Current form and stats

United's current form reads particularly well. A massive 38 points taken from the last 42 available to them in the Premier League, victories over West Ham and Fulham in this competition with much-changed sides, and a marvellous 1-1 draw away to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

United have won their last five FA Cup ties at Old Trafford, conceding just one goal in the process, and against Reading they've lost only once in their history - away from home in January 1927!

After losing seven league games on the bounce Reading have turned their season around with four wins and two draws from their last eight fixtures in the Premier League. Add in two thumping FA Cup wins and it's no wonder they're talking about causing a shock on Monday night.

And one intriguing fact I have for you. The only time The Royals beat Manchester United - that day way back in 1927 - was the only time these two clubs have met on a Monday, AND it was an FA Cup fixture. For those who love a good omen, Reading are 12.5 to win this time.

Match Odds

I've just given you Reading's odds to win the game and that's the last time I'll be mentioning them because in all honestly, Man United look banker material to me, even at 1.28 to back.

United are currently on a 17-game unbeaten run in domestic competitions and on home soil they've won 14 of their 15 games this season, scoring an average of over 2.5 goals.

Away from home Reading have failed to beat any club outside of the bottom five in the Premier League this season, and now they face the daunting task of having to face the 12-point runaway leaders on their own patch. They make no appeal whatsoever.

Half Time/Full Time

Backing Man Utd/Man Utd at 1.78 in this market looks the obvious play given the huge difference in class between the two sides.

Reading have conceded now fewer than 60 goals this season, 24 of those coming in the first half of games. United on the other hand have scored a staggering 42 first half goals this term, and since the Christmas period they've won all six games at Old Trafford by leading at half time/full time.

First Goalscorer

First Goalscorer markets can be fascinating when likely line-ups are unknown as virtually everything is in the backer's favour. You get your money back if either your selection doesn't play or comes on as a sub after the first goal has been scored.

And if you can back someone who does start, then his odds can shorten dramitically if other star names are left out.

For these reasons I'll look to cover Hernandez at around 5.0, who I'm pretty confident will start, and attacking midfielder Cleverley at 14.0 who should also be in the starting XI.

Recommended Bets

Back Man Utd HT/Man Utd FT @ 1.78

Back Hernandez @ 5.0 & Cleverley @ 14.0 FGS