Reading v Southampton: Revenge for Adkins live on Sky

5Apr 2013

England - Premier League

Paul Robinson looks ahead to the Saturday lunchtime kick off as Nigel Adkins takes on his old club at the Madejski...

Reading v Southampton

Saturday April 6, 12.45 GMT

Live on Sky Sports Two

Reading are rock bottom after losing their last six in a row. Brian McDermott was dismissed in March and in an ironic twist, former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has been appointed to try and save their season. Adkins was somewhat harshly dismissed by Saints chairman Nicola Cortese in January and I'm sure he will badly want to get one over on his old club.

The Royals aren't exactly firing on all cylinders though. As mentioned, they are at the foot of the table, seven points from safety. If they are to survive then they have to win on Saturday - draws are simply no good at this stage. They were convincingly beaten at the Emirates last weekend and the 4-1 scoreline actually flattered them on the balance of play.

Southampton at home will be an easier task though and it's quite conceivable that they'll pull off a shock victory. Danny Guthrie was restored to the starting line up at Arsenal and it's interesting to note that the former Newcastle man has been in the first XI for the majority of Reading's wins this term. He had his problems with Brian McDermott but he brings a touch of quality to the side and he might provide the boost they need.

Mauricio Pochettino has led his team to two straight wins over Liverpool and Chelsea. While both opponents were under par, the results have to be respected. They were both at home though and The Saints have struggled for victories away from St Mary's. Loftus Road and Villa Park are the scenes of their two away league wins this term so while you could argue they beat the strugglers, they recently drew at Wigan and Norwich.

Rickie Lambert notched his 14th goal of the campaign last weekend and the unfashionable Englishman must surely be pushing for an international call up. He's good in the air and with his feet, and he will cause the leaky Reading defence plenty of problems on Saturday.

Southampton can backed at 2.32 to get the victory that will see them within touching distance of safety but I think that's a bit too short given their away form. The draw is 3.6 but that would be no good to Reading and I'm willing to take a chance on them to get their first win since the start of February at a price of 3.35.

Over 2.5 goals can't be left un-backed at 1.8 for my money. Reading's last five at the Madejski have had three or more goals as have four of Southampton's last five on the road. There have been some cricket scores amongst that lot so it's not like overs has just been scraping home.

Recommended Bets

Back Reading @ 3.35

Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.8