Betting preview: Reading can march closer to promotion against Nottingham Forest

17/04/2012 8:22:00 PM

Brian McDermott's side took a huge leap towards securing the Championship title with victory on Friday. Willie Duncan expects Steve Cotterill's men to offer little resistance here

Reading were in hugely impressive form on Friday night when they saw off title rivals Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.

Brian McDermott’s Royals now have a chance to secure their promotion back to the English Premier League when they welcome struggling Nottingham Forest to Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

Should Reading better the result that third-placed West Ham United achieve away to Bristol City on Tuesday evening, the Royals’ return to the Premier League will be confirmed.

Bet365 make McDermott’s men firm favourites to pile the pressure on the Hammers with a home win chalked up at just 1/2 (1.50), a price that reflects their recent good form.

Nottingham Forest beat Reading when the two sides met at City Ground back in November and Forest require just three more points to ensure Championship survival for another season.

They are priced up at 6/1 (7.0) outsiders for victory with Bet365 while the draw is marked up as a 3/1 (4.0) chance with the same firm.

Jason Roberts showed all of his experience when leading the Reading line on Friday night against Southampton.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker, who hit the opening goal for the Royals at St Mary’s is 4/1 (5.0)favourite with Bet365 to open the scoring on Tuesday.

Adam Le Fondre had to settle for a place on the bench against Southampton but he Reading’s top scorer this term.

He is likely to regain his starting place after coming off the bench to grab two crucial goals to help his side to victory and Le Fondre represents excellent value at 9/2 (5.50) to add to the 11 league goals that he already has to his name this term.

Forest have been in fine form in recent weeks having lost just one of their last seven league matches but Steve Cotterill’s men are likely to find the title-chasing Royals too hot to handle.

If Reading replicate Friday’s performance, Forest will find it tough to live with the Premier League-bound Royals and the juicy 13/10 (2.30) quote from Bet365 for Brian McDermott’s side to win minus a goal on the handicap market is too big a price to resist and that makes it the best bet here.

Bet of the Day

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Reading (-1) to beat Nottingham Forest at 13/10 (2.30) with Bet365

Adam Le Fondre to score first at 9/2 (4.50) with Bet365

Sign up with Bet365 for up to £200 in free bets.

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football

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