Manchester United vs Reading Betting Tips

The late kick-off on Saturday sees the third all Premiership FA Cup fifth round tie as Manchester United entertain the league's surprise package of the season, Reading, a team led by Steve Coppell, who actually won this competition with Man Utd as a player in 1977. These two sides have been pitched against each other seven times in this tournament, with the Red Devils holding sway having won five of the games in question. United are bidding to win the FA Cup for a record 12th time this season, and are currently a top-priced 5/2 second favourites behind Chelsea. It goes without saying that United are long odds-on for this match. They haven't tasted defeat in their last 15 in all competitions at the Theatre Of Dreams, and Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be back in the mix having missed last weekend's victory over Charlton owing to a virus. Wayne Rooney is suspended, and Edwin van der Sar will also miss this clash as he is recovering from a broken nose. Coppell may have to wait until Saturday morning before knowing for sure whether striker Kevin Doyle will be able to take part. The Irishman has been recovering from a hamstring injury which has kept him off the pitch for the past month. If he does line-up, it will probably be alongside Leroy Lita, who scored the second of Reading's two goals when they were beaten 3-2 by United in their Premiership fixture here in December. Although Sir Alex Ferguson's charges controlled the lion's share of play in that game, and probably won more cosily than the scoreline suggests, they won't be taking Reading lightly. Indeed, the Royals demonstrated real commitment and dedication that day, and were by no means overawed by their illustrious rivals - it's never wise to underestimate an underdog. And that is especially true of a cup tie. United know this only too well having been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Southend earlier in the season. And Reading aren't in bad form either - they're unbeaten in their last eight and, despite the absence of Doyle, they've hardly been misfiring - they've scored 13 in their last five matches, and sit in sixth place in the Premiership table. South London-born midfielder Steven Sidwell has been in cracking form. The 25-year-old scored both of his side's goals during their 2-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend - he's definitely one to watch. However, when push comes to shove it's hard to see Reading, for all of their endeavour, toppling United. The absence of Rooney will be felt, but in Saha, Solskjaer and the Red Devils' latest recruit, Henrik Larsson, there is ample firepower within their ranks. Sir Alex has rebuilt his side and they are looking better than they have looked for a long time this season. With the alluring aroma of a potential domestic double under his nose, Fergie will be sending his troops into battle in no doubt of the importance of winning this tie. Although the last match between these clubs produced a five-goal thriller, I envisage that this meeting will be less explosive in terms of goals scored. Reading are very much an attack-minded side, but Coppell will, I suspect, aim to hold his half-time pep talk without staring down the barrel of a deficit. In fact, I reckon that they'll be inseparable after 45 minutes, therefore recommend having a tickle on 0-0 in the half time correct score market at 47/20 with VCBet. Rather than being gung-ho in the first half, I reckon that Reading will be more tactical in their approach, mindful that United can punish them on the counter-attack, so a half-time stalemate looks highly plausible. Verdict - 2pts 0-0 in the half time correct score market @ 47/20 (VCBet)