Reading are currently stranded on a solitary point, only mildly better off than crisis club Queens Park Rangers at the bottom of the Championship table.

A tough start has seen them face Derby and Nottingham Forest so far, but there's signs of a fighting spirit with their 2-2 draw against Blackburn in midweek.

However, that mini-revival doesn't look set to continue this weekend, according to pundit David Prutton. Writing for Sky Sports, he's predicting they're likely to lose at Villa Park this weekend against Steve Bruce's unbeaten side.

"Aston Villa may not have beaten Brentford on Wednesday night but the way they nicked a point with the last kick of the game will feel almost as good to Steve Bruce's side."

Reading also drew in midweek, but the nature of both results will ensure the sides felt very differently come the final whistle of each game.

"Reading, meanwhile, had the game in their hands at Blackburn but some poor defending to concede two penalties in the second half cost them a first win of the season. That would have been a blow to them, especially since I cannot see them getting anything from Villa Park."

Prutton is predicting a 2-0 win for the home side as they look to keep up the pressure on the early pace-setters.

The Verdict

Prutton is spot on, along with Forest and Birmingham this looks like another home banker in the Championship.

Reading did have the game in their hands, but a Paul McShane double blunder gave Blackburn two spot kicks in midweek. They can't defend like that, especially not if they take a two goal lead away from home.

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