The Championship Play-Off Final Live: Huddersfield Town V Reading Preview & Betting

Huddersfield Town V Reading
Monday 29th May. 3PM. Sky Sports 1

After 48 matches, Championship rivals Huddersfield and Reading are now just 90 minutes away from gaining promotion to the promised land of the Premier League.

They meet at Wembley in what is billed as the £290m game; for one of them, it will be a bank holiday Monday to remember. But for the other, it will be the ultimate heartbreak. Whatever happens, it will be a hugely dramatic afternoon for the neutral. Let’s just hope we can win some money too.

Can Huddersfield Secure First Prem Appearance?

The Terriers haven’t had top flight football for 45 years, but David Wagner’s men are just one result short of clinching a place in next season’s Premier League.

Huddersfield can be confident too, especially as their opponents will be missing captain Paul McShane through suspension, and will be looking to capitalise through the attacking qualities of Nahki Wells and Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown for inspiration.

Wagner’s side have been solid at the back for large parts of this season, showing plenty of great attributes as they squeezed past Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final stages. Like Reading, they also boast a home win in this season’s head-to-head encounters.

After looking like serious contenders all season, this is their chance to cap a great season with the ultimate prize. But they should be ready for a war.

Reading Ready For Royal Success

Jaap Stam’s first year at the Madejski could have scarcely gone better and a win at Wembley would fire the Royals back to the top flight after a four year exile.

After finishing third in the table, many would argue that they are the most deserving of the four play-off sides, especially after seeing off an in-form Fulham in the semi-final. Even without their skipper, Reading boast plenty of defensive experience in the form of Ali Al Habsi while Chris Gunter, Tyler Blackett, and co. should have a great chance of keeping the Terriers quiet.

Midfielders Roy Beerens, Jon Swift, and Daniel Williams have all enjoyed great seasons and will be eager to provide the likes of Yann Kermorgrant and Lewis Grabban with the opportunities to secure the most important win of the season.

Both sides have every reason to be confident. Expect fireworks from the off.

Huddersfield V Reading Betting

The bookies have made Huddersfield favourites to reach the Premier League, and the Terriers are priced 7/5 to win the match in 90 minutes. Reading are available at 12/5 while the draw, and extra-time, is priced 11/5.

Huddersfield have been brilliant at times this season, but they did take their foot off the pedal once automatic promotion became impossible. Despite the fact they managed to beat Sheffield Wednesday on penalties, it’s hard to overlook their lack of momentum.

The league matches suggest that this could be a very close encounter and there’s a good chance that it could go all the way to extra-time and penalties. While we don’t have the confidence to back Reading in 90 minutes, we’re backing the Royals to reach the top flight once more.

This will be a chance for someone to write their name in the history books, and it could be the case that a single goal will win it.

As we’re backing Reading to win, we’re going with veteran striker Kermorgrant to become that hero. The Frenchman has been the catalyst of his side’s success, firing 19 goals already this term. At 15/2, he’s well worth a punt for the first goal here.