Aston Villa take on Reading on Saturday in the Championship, and HITC pundits give their predictions on the likely outcome.
Aston Villa 2-0 Reading
How much did the 7-1 loss at Norwich take out of Reading? Aston Villa are tough opponents to have to take on after that result, with Steve Bruce’s side flying and harbouring faint play-off hopes themselves. Stopping Jonathan Kodjia will be a tough task.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia celebrates
Aston Villa 2-0 Reading
How do Reading respond to that humiliation at Carrow Road? With another defeat, potentially. Villa are unbeaten in nine Championship fixtures and have only conceded twice in that time. They’ll sit back and hit Reading on the break.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Aston Villa 2-1 Reading
Despite a disappointing draw to Burton last weekend, Aston Villa’s overall form is excellent, especially at home. Reading will be desperately looking for a reaction following their shocking 7-1 defeat to Norwich, but I’m backing Steve Bruce’s men to take all three points with a narrow win at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 2-0 Reading
I’ve got a feeling the wheels are coming off for Reading this season, and with the form Kodjia is in, I would fully expect Aston Villa to grab a comfortable three points here as they start to build for a promotion push next season.
Aston Villa 1-0 Reading
Oh how Villa fans mush wish their side had found their form a month earlier. Villa would arguably be much closer to Reading in the race for the playoffs. Steve Bruce’s men are on a great run for the most part, while Reading had a terrible 7-1 defeat in their last game. I can see Villa getting another win here, but it will be too late to make the playoffs.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa 2-0 Reading
Villa are playing with freedom right now, with thoughts having turned to next season’s promotion push. Reading, on the other hand, thought they’d secured a top six place until last weekend’s humbling at Norwich and I’d be surprised if that doesn’t have an impact on the Royals.
Reading’s Paul McShane celebrates with Yann Kermorgant
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