FA Cup: Saturday Night at the Theatre of Dreams

Manchester United vs Reading FC

After an impressive League Cup semi-final first leg triumph in Nottingham on Wednesday night, it’s time to switch to the FA Cup once more for Manchester United.

Saturday night at the Theatre of Dreams sounds like something to savour, an almost movie title, and this weekend it’s Championship Club Reading who are the visitors.

They are certainly no strangers to Old Trafford in this competition in recent years either.

Yet with the visitors placed 14^th in the Championship, up against the hosts placed fourth in the Premier League, an upset in the most romantic competition of them all appears unlikely.

Talking Points

In the midst of a congested period, United may well rest a number of key men who have played a lot of football during a non-stop spell of matches.

As a result, that could lead to starts for some young guns, including Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri and midfield duo Fred and Scott McTominay.

Given former United man Paul Ince’s Reading have conceded the most away goals in the Championship this season, the home side may fancy themselves to deliver more FA Cup highlights.

Reading produced some of their own in the third round earlier this month when they saw off a below-par Watford and Ince has vowed his side will head north and play ‘on the front foot’ and with aggression, a bit like the combative midfielder did in his playing days, which included six trophy-laden years (with two FA Cup successes) at United.

They won’t be lacking in support with 3,000 Royals set to make the trip and experienced striker Andy Carroll set to be involved.

Their absences will include Naby Sarr, Sam Hutchinson, Liam Moore and Ovie Ejaria.

Teenage right-back Kelvin Abrefa, who scored in the third-round victory against Watford, recovered from a knee problem to feature for the club’s under-21 team on Monday and could be included in the squad.

It is unknown if United will include Luke Shaw after he missed midweek duties due to illness, although his team-mate for club and country, club captain Harry Maguire, could return after a one-match suspension.

History

This will actually be the third meeting between the teams in the FA Cup in seven years – all at Old Trafford.

In 2017, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford (two) scored the goals in a 4-0 third round success.

At the same stage two years on, first half goals from Juan Mata (penalty) and Romelu Lukaku secured a 2-0 win.

The former tie saw United legend Jaap Stam return as boss of the visitors and this weekend it will be Ince, although he is less likely to receive such a hero’s welcome.

Overall, United have enjoyed 14 victories against the Berkshire club with a further seven draws – two of which have been in the Premier League era – and their very first meeting, which was in the 1912 FA Cup.

Enoch West netted the United goal in the third round tie before United won the replay 3-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to Harold Halse and the legendary Sandy Turnbull.

The FA Cup also provided Reading with their sole victory over the Red Devils – a third round second replay in 1927 which they won 2-1 at Villa Park.

Betting Tip

Old Trafford has become a happy place again for United this season, never more so than in the Manchester derby a fortnight ago.

The SBOTOP FA Cup betting odds expect it to be so again on Saturday.

While you can back the Red Devils 1X2 @ 1.14 and Asian Handicap -2.25 @ 2.02, Reading are priced 1X2 @ 12.00 and Asian Handicap +2.00 @ 2.21.

The draw, which would lead to a replay, is available @ 7.00.

Meanwhile, a repeat of their meeting from four years ago – Correct Score 2-0 – will pay out @ 5.60.

Goal options include total goal 0-1 @ 5.60, 2-3 @ 2.16, 4-6 @ 2.31 and over 3.25 goals @ 1.94.

Reading have never lifted the FA Cup in their 151-year history and have failed to progress beyond the fourth round in five of the last six years, including an embarrassing third-round exit to non-league side Kidderminster Harriers last season.

It is very difficult to see past a home win, although I think the spirited Championship club will put up a good show. That is why my ** prediction is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 3.15.

 

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