Aside from the opening 20 minutes against Middlesbrough, when they froze a little, Reading have started their first ever season in the top tier, without fear.
They know their strength is going forward and are prepared to attack teams. Going 2-0 down to Boro, they relaxed and remembered what had got them promotion in the first place. After scoring 3 goals to take the lead, they still pressed on and could easily have scored a 4th, or conceded a late equaliser.
In their second start at Aston Villa, it was Reading's turn to surrender a lead, scoring early, they then conceded a dubious penalty and were reduced to ten men, when Ibrahima Sonko was dismissed. Which meant playing 2/3 rds of the game with ten men. Despite this, the Berkshire side were still prepared "to have a go" and look for the 3 points.
Today they travel to Wigan and we can expect a similar approach from Steve Coppell's men. With Sonko absent, they will have a new central defensive partnership, Sam Sodje may come in for his Reading and Premiership debut, the very athletic Nigerian, having signed from Brentford in the summer.
This seems bound to upset the defence, Sonko has played 83 consecutive games, not missing a start since October 2004. Certain that this is an area, the home side will be looking to exploit.
I anticipate goals today, Wigan will want the win and outplayed Newcastle on the opening day, for long periods. They have plenty of attacking options now and have been boosted this week by Henri Camara signing a contract extension and Pascal Chimbonda seemingly settling his differences with the club. The Lactics players are 100% convinced that they are a better team this year and will set out to prove that today, so, an open game and "overs" for me.
4 points Wigan-Reading over 2.25 goals 1.82 asian line.
Back soon.
Good Luck.
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