Reading vs Arsenal U21 prediction 14.11.2023
Reading
5 : 2
Arsenal U21
The match has ended, you can view football predictions for today and football predictions for tomorrow.
Contents
- Competition: EFL Trophy
- Date: Tuesday, 14th November 2023
- Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
- Venue: Select Car Leasing Stadium (Reading)
On Tuesday evening, two teams that have already secured the next phase of the competition will face off at Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading in the third round of the EFL Trophy group stage.
Reading were one of the teams that traveled between the Premier League and Championship not long ago, but those years are over. Last year, they were relegated from the Championship, and this season isn't looking much better as they are in the 24th place with only seven points, although they had four points deducted. Still, even with those four points, they would be in the relegation zone. Their only good performances in the last three months were in Cups.
Arsenal U21 had a mediocre last year, finishing 7th in the Premier League 2. This season, the young Gunners look much better, and it seems they are only getting better as the season progresses. Right now, after eight rounds in the Premier League 2, Arsenal U21 are 3rd with 17 points. In this match, even though they secured the next phase, the young players will have a massive motive to show off in the senior competition.
Reading vs Arsenal U21 pick: Over 3.5 goals
More or less, the only good games Reading had this year were in the Cups, especially in the EFL Trophy, where they won two games vs Exeter and Swindon with 14 scored goals! Still, the offense isn't their problem because they score a lot. However, defensively, they have been terrible this season, and right now, they have the worst defense in League One, with 28 allowed goals in 16 rounds. Lately, they are only getting worse, allowing 15 goals in the last six games - 2.5 per game.
Arsenal U21, like most U21 teams, generally plays high-scoring games. In recent five games, they were over 3.5 goals on four occasions. Lately, they have been super-efficient, scoring 14 goals in the previous three games - 4.7 per game.
Additionally, both teams were over 3.5 goals in their EFL Trophy games this season.
Considering everything the above, we think that over 3.5 goals is the safest option for this tie.
Best bookmakers for Reading vs Arsenal U21 match
Reading team news
Coach Ruben Selles spoke to the media after a 3:2 loss vs Shrewsbury. He was frustrated with a loss and said they were in a good position, leading 2:0 with a lot of opportunities to score at least one or two more. The coach criticized their defensive performance and said they have to be more ruthless when marking and in the clearance. "We need to demand more from each other," the coach added.
Since Reading struggles in League One, we think they will rotate the squad heavily for the upcoming game because they already secured the next phase.
Last matches of Reading
-
Reading
1 : 2
West Bromwich Albion
Championship
-
Reading
1 : 1
Hull City
Championship
-
Cardiff City
3 : 3
Reading
FA Cup
-
Cardiff City
1 : 1
Reading
Championship
-
Reading
0 : 1
Bristol City
Championship
Reading lineup
Goalkeeper
-
22
Joel Pereira
Defenders
-
30
Kelvin Abrefa
-
6
Harlee Dean
-
27
Amadou Salif Mbengue
-
18
Nesta Guinness-Walker
Midfielders
-
12
Paul Mukairu
-
4
Ben Elliott
-
40
Tivonge Rushesha
-
42
Caylan Vickers
Forwards
-
19
Jayden Wareham
-
9
Dom Ballard
Arsenal U21 team news
There are a lot of talented players on this team, but according to many football experts, the player who stands out and could make it to the senior team soon is Reuell Walters. The 18-year-old defender was on the bench in the previous game for Arsenal vs Burnley but did not enter the game.
Ethan Nwaneri will most likely miss the EFL Trophy game with an injury. The 16-year-old talent has been excellent this season before the injury, scoring five goals in six appearances.
Last matches of Arsenal U21
-
Peterborough United
3 : 0
Arsenal U21
EFL Trophy
-
Reading
5 : 2
Arsenal U21
EFL Trophy
-
Arsenal U21
6 : 3
Brighton U21
Premier League 2 Division One
-
Exeter City
0 : 5
Arsenal U21
EFL Trophy
-
Everton U21
1 : 1
Arsenal U21
Premier League 2 Division One
Arsenal U21 lineup
Goalkeeper
-
48
Ovie Ejeheri
Defenders
-
79
Ayden Heaven
-
61
Zane Monlouis
-
50
Taylor Foran
-
76
Reuell Walters
Midfielders
-
73
James Sweet
-
55
Bradley Ibrahim
-
51
Jimi Gower
Forwards
-
45
Amario Cozier-Duberry
-
47
Khayon Edwards
-
71
Charles Sagoe Jr
4 Reasons why we should see four or more goals
- Reading were over 3.5 goals in three of the last four games
- Reading allowed two or more goals in five of the last six games in all competitions
- Arsenal scored 14 goals in the previous three games
- Both teams were over 3.5 goals in their (two) games in the EFL Trophy
Main prediction Reading - Arsenal U21
Over 3.5 goals
Best Odds:
Betwinner
1.97
Do you agree with Nikola qq ?
43 votes
Yes 70%
43 votes
No 30%
Additional predictions
BTTS
Best odds:1.44
Reading & Arsenal U21 current standing in EFL Trophy
| Southern Group G | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 19 - 2 | +17 | 9 |
| 2 | Arsenal U21 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 - 7 | +2 | 5 |
| 3 | Exeter City | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 - 14 | -13 | 3 |
| 4 | Swindon Town | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 - 8 | -6 | 1 |