Will Reading Rock United at Massive Odds?

Once again, the Royals have been underestimated by the bookies ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Man Utd (Live on BBC, KO 8.05pm). You can currently get odds of 9/2 (bet365) about Reading, despite the fact that they held United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the first leg and had chances to sneak victory at the death. Although Steve Coppell is likely to rest a handful of first-team players for the clash, it's clear that Premiership football is now assured for next season and the temptation may be to field a stronger line-up for the game than the Reading manager has previously dared. It's also worth bearing in mind that Man United (4/6 Stan James) face a Premiership trip to Anfield next Saturday and the second leg of their Champions League tie with Lille the following Tuesday. Therefore, Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen not to use the likes of Ronaldo, Giggs and Rooney unless strictly neccessary. If you think the tie will finish level after 90 minutes and go into extra-time, this can be backed at 5/2 with Ladbrokes. Stan James are also offering odds on each team to qualify and there's no doubt where the value lies. While Man United are 2/7 to visit Middlesbrough or West Brom in the quarter final, Reading are 9/4 to make it to the last eight. Don't forget that Reading held United to a 1-1 draw earlier this season at the Madejski, as well as in the original FA Cup tie last week. The price on that happening once again is 6/1 (Paddy Power).