Norwich vs Reading Odds & Prediction – EFL Championship Round 45
- Norwich City hosts Reading in Matchday 45 of the EFL Championship on Saturday, May 1st at 10:00 am ET
- Reading have already been eliminated from Promotional Playoff contention, but Norwich City still have to put on a performance if they want to lift their EFL Championship trophy
- Currently, Norwich City are the heavy favorites in this match with moneyline odds of -159
Two games remain in the 2020/21 EFL Championship campaign and this weekend a winner could finally be crowned. That is, if Norwich City pulls off a win at home against Reading on Saturday morning. The Canaries have a five point advantage on Watford beneath them and will need a victory if they want to lift their silverware in their last game at Carrow Road.
A few weeks ago, Reading looked like hopeful favorites to sneak into the Promotional Playoff. However, they have only managed to muster up one win in their last nine matches. They look hopeless to be fair, and now with nothing to play for besides pride, do not expect much against the inevitable league champions.
Norwich City vs Reading Odds
| Matchup | Spread | Moneyline | Total at DraftKings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich City vs Reading | NOR -1 (+112) | REA +1 (-139) | NOR -159 | REA +430 | DRAW +285 | Ov 2.5 (-129) | Un 2.5 (+102) |
Odds as of Apr 29
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While Reading might not turn up fully, expect Norwich City to end their season with a bang, They have been utterly brilliant this year under Daniel Farke and have had some equally amazing individual performances. In fact, 24 year-old midfielder Emiliano Buendia was just crowned Championship Player of the Year over Ivan Toney and fellow teammeate Teemu Puuki. With one last home game to strut their talents before heading to the Premier League, Carrow Road should become quite a sight come Saturday night.
Norwich City Have the Historical Edge
Furthermore, in recent years, this head-to-head matchup has also been dominated by Norwich City. The clubs have squared off six times since 2016, with Norwich City winning five and drawing just one of the fixtures. Additionally, the Canaries outscored Reading 18-8, including a 7-1 walloping back in 2017.
🏆 It's official, Emi Buendia is 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 player in the Championship! pic.twitter.com/Icafg61ljM
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 29, 2021
Norwich City vs Reading Statistics
| 1.57 | Goals per game | 1.34 |
| 15.6 | Shots per game | 11.6 |
| 58.1% | Possession % | 52.2% |
| 82.8% | Passing % | 78.9% |
Unfortunately, this match will not be any easier for Reading. As stated earlier, Buendia has been an offensive spark plug this season. When paired alongside Teemu Pukki, the duo are almost unstoppable. Alone, the attacking pair have 59 of Norwich City’s goal contributions this season, a truly incredible statistic. It is hard to see the Reading defense stopping them, when a trophy could be waiting for Norwich City on the touchline after the match.
Reading Simply Do Not Have Enough to Play For
Nonetheless, this is football and as we all know, anything can happen. Also, Reading have more than enough capable attackers to challenge Norwich City. Lucas Joao, Michael Olise and Yakou Meite are an equally dangerous offense and do deserve respect.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋! 👏@MichaelOlise10 has been crowned @EASPORTS Young Player of the Season 🏆 and was also given a place in the @SkyBetChamp Team of the Season at tonight's #EFLAwards.
Fully deserved! 🔵
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) April 29, 2021
It is also fair to say that Norwich City have not been on the best of form recently, only winning one out of their last three. Nonetheless, they have lost to Bournemouth and Watford, who are much higher in the table than the teams Reading have been dropping points to.
However, the facts in this match are quite simple. Reading are in seventh place with not much chance of moving up or down in the table. Obviously, they will not just come out, lie down, and let Norwich city take the three points. But, their motivation will be lower than a team trying to win their league before being promoted.
Norwich City vs Reading Best Bet
Overall, the best bet for this match is Norwich City -1 with odds of +112. The moneyline in this game does not have much value just because the home side are so highly favored. Typically, in the last home game of the season, teams go out and leave it all out on the pitch in front of their families and friends.
The luxury of also winning a trophy makes this motivation even greater which is why I see Farke’s team easily cruising to victory in this game. At the end of the ninety minutes, they will lift silverware and cap off what has been a truly great campaign.
Pick: Norwich City -1 (+112)
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Josh Ricker is a freelance sports journalist, currently attending the University of Southern Maine (Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Marketing). He has recently interned with the AA Portland Sea Dogs, and his work has been featured on Fansided, as well as now here on SBD.
