Reading win to seal Sunderland's relegation fate
Sunderland's fate is nearly sealed as the relegation threatened side sits six points from safety with just four matches to play. The Black Cats theoretically have enough points to play for, however, the club are walking a thin line that could see them relegated soon.
Sunderland have won just six times in 42 games and the team's defence has conceded 74 goals this term. It is the second most goals allowed in the Championship this season as the Black Cats have posted a –29-goal difference.
Chris Coleman's team has drawn its last two matches against Leeds and Norwich, respectively. The Black Cats attacked with plenty of intent, but the club's inability to defend prevented Sunderland from collecting all three points.
While Sunderland have one foot in League 1, Reading are not safe from relegation either. The Royal Blues have recorded 42 points as the team are five points ahead of the drop zone. Reading have been suspect in defence this term. The team's rearguard has only been slightly better than Sunderland. Reading have scored just one more goal than the Black Cats as attacking hasn't been the problem for the Royal Blues.
The two clubs met in December with Sunderland's defensive woes coming to the forefront. Reading came away from the Stadium of Light with a 3-1 win. David Edwards and Modou Barrow scored the goals for Reading. Barrow leads Reading in goals with 10 as the 25-year-old has been a bright spot for the Royal Blues.
Reading are third in the Championship in possession with 53.9%. The team's great possession stats go against the side's current table position. March's appointment of former Swansea manager Paul Clement as coach has helped Reading. The club has won twice in its last four games, which has greatly improved Reading's survival hopes. Prior to Clement's arrival, Reading had won just three times at home. However, Reading have won their last two matches at the Madejski Stadium. The team's away form may still be poor, but Reading have become more difficult to beat at home.
Reading are coming off of a midweek loss to Fulham, however, the Royal Blues were always second favourite against the Championship's hottest team. Reading could have come away with points but the side's finishing was absent.
Despite Reading's inability to finish in front of goal, Clement's team will come away with the vital three points they need to stave off relegation. Reading could be eight points ahead of the relegation zone with nine points to play for.
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