City stalemate looks value.

THOUGH Reading appeared destined for at least a play-off place when they last faced Coventry at the Ricoh Arena in April, this column suggested that "given each side's lessthan-prolific recent form in front of goal, Stan James' 17/2 for it to finish 0-0 tomorrow is surely worth considering."

The same firm is offering the same price against another goalless outcome tomorrow and, as the Sky Blues have managed one goal in their last four and Reading have scored two in a run of four consecutive defeats, conceding 10, the possibility of it ending 0-0 cannot be discounted.

Nevertheless, Coventry still hold the upper hand in meetings between the pair since 2002, during which they've won five and drawn twice, hence they start as Betdaq's understandable 29/20 favourites. Third-bottom Reading arrive priced as Ladbrokes' 2/1 underdogs and Stan James mark the draw at 12/5. While nether team is in great scoring form, in eight of the last ten meetings of the duo since 2002, one side has managed to score at least two goals. Punters expecting this trend to continue can get 6/5 (Partybets) against tomorrow's match yielding more than two goals. Elsewhere, bet365 have attracted plenty of support for their even money odds marked in favour of the opening period ending level, while Sportingbet chalk 7/4 against a goalless first half. Those who anticipate the opening period establishing a second half trend can get 4/1 (Betfred) against both halves finishing in stalemate, while online firm Jaxx.com offer a 1-1 outcome at 11/2. In Sportingbet's handicap market, City are 11/2 to win when kicking off with a one goal deficit, though Boylesports' 6/1 posted against a 1-0 home success, or Ladbrokes' 11/2 about the Sky Blues emerging victorious following a drawn first half, may hold greater appeal.