It’s been dubbed the richest game in football as the Championship play-off final takes place on Monday at Wembley. Huddersfield and Reading are the sides vying it out for a place in next season’s Premier League, with the winner set to take advantage of the fortunes on offer by competing in England’s top division.
Few would have expected the play-off final to be contested by these two sides, with both finishing in the bottom eight of last season’s Championship, but both have overcome tough opposition in the semi-finals to make it to Wembley.
There was a time when the play-off final was an end-to-end affair, but with so much riding on the game, teams have tended to be tense and nervous, leading to fewer goals. The last four finals have seen just four goals inside 90 minutes. The two sides traded 1-0 home victories during the regular season and their third meeting could prove to be equally close.
Huddersfield Town vs. Reading Predictions
This match is incredibly close to call and it wouldn’t be a surprise if it went to extra time. Both sides will be nervous and don’t expect too many goals.
Huddersfield Town vs. Reading Betting Tips
Head to Head
- Both Championship meetings ended in 1-0 home wins.
- Reading have scored at least once in their last 11 matches.
- Huddersfield have played 449 minutes of football since one of their players scored (not including shoot-out win in the semi-final).
Huddersfield Town Team News
David Wagner is expected to stick with his settled back four of Tommy Smith, Chris Lowe, Michael Hefele and Christopher Schindler, while Izzy Brown and Nahki Wells are both set to start.
Possible Huddersfield XI: Danny Ward, Tommy Smith, Michael Hefele, Christopher Schindler, Chris Lowe, Jonathan Hogg, Aaron Mooy, Elias Kachunga, Izzy Brown, Rajiv van La Parra, Nahki Wells
Reading Team News
Paul McShane is suspended, with Tiago Ilori expected to replace him. Jordan Obita is suffering from an ankle injury, but is expected to be fit for the final. Yann Kermorgant will start upfront, while Garath McCleary could start in midfield.
Possible Reading XI: Ali Al-Habsi, Tiago Ilori, Liam Moore, Joey van den Berg, Chris Gunter, George Evans, Danny Williams, Tyler Blackett, John Swift, Yann Kermorgant, Lewis Grabban
