Reading vs Sheffield United Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 29/02/2020, 11:42  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 02/03/2020 at 19:03 in FA Cup Predictions

The FA Cup fifth round is upon us and among the fixtures at this stage of the competition is the interesting match-up between Reading and Sheffield United. The hosts have been struggling in the Championship this season. Winning only two of their last six matches in that division, they are currently eight points clear of the drop in 16th place. While it promises to be a league campaign to forget for Reading, the same cannot be said for Sheffield United. Newly promoted in the Premier League, they have been one of the biggest success stories of England's top flight this season. As things stand, they are in the race for European places, the ban handed to Manchester City by UEFA opening up an additional Champions League place. It would be incredible to see them make it to the top table of European football on the first attempt. On their minds this week, though, is the FA Cup.

Last winning the domestic prize in 1925, Sheffield United would love to add another FA Cup to their trophy room. This season they have played well against England's biggest teams and avoided banana skins in fixtures they've been expected to win. They have the pedigree to go far in this competition. Reading await their first FA Cup, but have managed to reach the latter stages of the competition several times in the last decade, notably getting to the semi-finals in 2015. We don't see a repeat of that happening this year. Sheffield United have been extremely solid away from home during this campaign, losing only two of their 13 trips on the road in the Premier League. We suggest backing the visitors to get the win here.