Reading vs Arsenal U21 prediction 14.11.2023

• Competition: EFL Trophy
• Date: Tuesday, 14th November 2023
• Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
• Venue: Select Car Leasing Stadium (Reading)

On Tuesday evening, two teams that have already secured the next phase of the competition will face off at Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading in the third round of the EFL Trophy group stage. 

Reading were one of the teams that traveled between the Premier League and Championship not long ago, but those years are over. Last year, they were relegated from the Championship, and this season isn't looking much better as they are in the 24th place with only seven points, although they had four points deducted. Still, even with those four points, they would be in the relegation zone. Their only good performances in the last three months were in Cups. 

Arsenal U21 had a mediocre last year, finishing 7th in the Premier League 2. This season, the young Gunners look much better, and it seems they are only getting better as the season progresses. Right now, after eight rounds in the Premier League 2, Arsenal U21 are 3rd with 17 points. In this match, even though they secured the next phase, the young players will have a massive motive to show off in the senior competition.

Reading vs Arsenal U21 pick: Over 3.5 goals

More or less, the only good games Reading had this year were in the Cups, especially in the EFL Trophy, where they won two games vs Exeter and Swindon with 14 scored goals! Still, the offense isn't their problem because they score a lot. However, defensively, they have been terrible this season, and right now, they have the worst defense in League One, with 28 allowed goals in 16 rounds. Lately, they are only getting worse, allowing 15 goals in the last six games - 2.5 per game. 

Arsenal U21, like most U21 teams, generally plays high-scoring games. In recent five games, they were over 3.5 goals on four occasions. Lately, they have been super-efficient, scoring 14 goals in the previous three games - 4.7 per game. 

Additionally, both teams were over 3.5 goals in their EFL Trophy games this season. 

Considering everything the above, we think that over 3.5 goals is the safest option for this tie.