Reading vs Sheffield United predictions, live stream options & confirmed line-ups
Sheffield United travel to Reading on Tuesday night for an FA Cup fifth-round tie.
The Blades haven’t played since February 22 thanks to their weekend opponents, Aston Villa, contesting in the League Cup final. Chris Wilder’s men are on a four-game unbeaten run across all competitions and have European football well within their sights.
A run deep into the FA Cup would be an added bonus but to make that happen, they must get past a Reading side on a high having taken down Barnsley 2-0 at the weekend.
Can the Blades march on or will the Royals cause an upset? Read on for our preview, predictions, team news and live stream information.
When is Reading vs Sheffield United and where can I watch live?
Competition: FA Cup
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Online & live stream options: Bet365* are streaming this FA Cup match live for account holders. Those without a Bet365 account already who are interested in streaming Reading vs Sheffield United live can take advantage of this service by following the simple steps below.
- Click on this link.
- ‘Join now’ and enter details.
- Log in and fund the new account.
- Pick the desired event from among the ‘live now’ or ‘schedule’ sections in Bet365’s ‘live streaming’ category.
*Geo restrictions apply, 18+ only, must have a funded account, BeGambleAware.
Last five meetings: Reading vs Sheffield United
16 Feb 2019: Sheffield United 4-0 Reading (Championship)
08 Dec 2018: Reading 0-2 Sheffield United (Championship)
27 Feb 2018: Reading 1-3 Sheffield United (Championship)
21 Oct 2017: Sheffield United 2-1 Reading (Championship)
26 Jan 2013: Reading 4-0 Sheffield United (FA Cup)
Aggregate Score: Reading (LLLLW) 6-11 Sheffield United (WWWWL)
Ones to watch
Reading: George Puscas
Reading are hardly prolific scorers and facing up to Premier League opposition means chances will likely be at a premium in this one — especially given how defensively solid Sheffield United are.
The role of George Puscas, therefore, becomes ever more important, with the Romanian comfortably Reading’s most prominent goal threat.
Puscas has nine Championship goals this season and is in good form right now, so the Blades had better watch out.
Key stat: Puscas has been directly involved in four goals across his last four Reading appearances (three goals, one assist).
Sheffield United: Oliver Norwood
Sheffield United’s story this season is something of a fairytale, but few have caught the imagination quite as much as Oliver Norwood.
The former Man Utd academy midfielder has been Wilder’s lynchpin in the centre of the park, controlling possession and winning the ball back quickly.
The Blades are likely to dominate the ball on Tuesday, so Norwood will be charged with dictating the tempo of the game.
Key stat: Norwood has completed more passes (1232) and created more chances (39) than any other Sheffield United player in the Premier League this season.
Confirmed Reading line-up
🚨 FA CUP TEAM NEWS 🚨#Royals remain unchanged from weekend win @liammoore93 returns to the squad after illness
🔵⚪ | #REAvSHU pic.twitter.com/1CvJ4lTEiY
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) March 3, 2020
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Confirmed Sheffield United
Moose & Didzy lead the line 👊
Here's the United line-up for tonight's Emirates FA Cup tie.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) March 3, 2020
Squawka prediction
This is not a fixture that’s been kind to Reading in recent years and with Sheffield United on a high right now, it’s hard to see them making it to the next round.
Bowen’s best hope will be that the Blades are distracted by their race of European football, taking their eye off the FA Cup. However, given how well-drilled Wilder keeps his squad, that’s not something we’re expecting to see.
