Championship side Wrexham play host to League One Reading in the third round of the Carabao Cup with both teams looking to capitalise on positive performances at the weekend.
EFL Cup
Our Three Predictions For Wrexham Vs Reading
- Prediction One – Wrexham To Win – 4/7
- Prediction Two – Both Teams To Score – 4/6
- Prediction Three – Keiffer Moore To Score – 5/4
First Prediction – Wrexham To Win – 4/7
For Wrexham their inaugural Championship campaign has been one of adaptation rather than instant success. Phil Parkinson’s side sits 15th with seven points from seven league game with two wins, one draw, and four defeats showing resilience in a league with huge demands. Results include a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, a 3-1 home loss to QPR, and a 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers. They’ve scored six goals and conceded eight, with defensive improvements evident in clean sheets during two of their last three home fixtures.
Second Prediction – Both Teams To Score – 4/6
This EFL Cup third-round encounter at Racecourse Ground sets up an open game where both sides should find the net, blending Wrexham’s attacking upgrades with Reading’s counter-threat against shaky defences. The Reds’ £33m summer investments have sharpened their edge, but adaptation to the Championship has exposed their back four, conceding eight times in seven matches, often through transitions as in their Stoke and Blackburn draws.
Reading, battling in 20th spot in League One with eight points from nine, aren’t toothless up front—seven goals struck with dominant, powerful set-pieces and breaks that undid Portsmouth in a 2-1 win in the previous round. Their defence, however, crumbles under pressure with 14 goals shipped, intensified by a winless league run and away slumps of three defeats in five. Past meetings show 17 wins for Reading with Wrexham’s triumphs at 10 with meetings rarely ending goalless, and Wrexham’s home resilience of four unbeaten invites potential for a cup upset.
Third Prediction – Keiffer Moore To Score – 5/4
The Welsh international striker, looks set to find the net again after a positive season so far. The 32-year-old joined for £2m from Sheffield United during a summer reshuffle that reshaped Phil Parkinson’s squad.
Moore dominates aerially with a 68% duel success rate so far and has already claimed two headed goals this term. His strengths align perfectly with Wrexham’s set-piece prowess in both boxes and with them averaging 5.2 crosses per home match, where they’ve netted seven across four unbeaten outings. Reading’s backline, shipping 14 goals in nine League One games during a winless streak, is particularly vulnerable, with 40% of concessions stemming from headers or crosses.
So far he’s netted in five of his last 12 starts for club and country. Supported by fellow attackers such as Nathan Broadhead, he’ll be able to exploit gaps in a defence with an impetus to get the ball into him with his timing and presence making him the ideal outlet to go up against a shaky defence.
Best Odds For Wrexham Vs Reading
| Bookmaker | Wrexham | Draw | Reading |
| MyriadPlay | 29/50 | 3/1 | 19/5 |
| Gentleman Jim | 4/7 | 31/10 | 15/4 |
| Betarno | 8/13 | 16/5 | 15/4 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Latest Results And Head-To-Head
Wrexham face Reading in the EFL Cup third round at the Racecourse Ground. This match gives both a break from a demanding league schedule.
Wrexham sit 15th in the Championship with seven points from seven games. They have two wins, one draw, and four losses. Their season started with a 2-1 loss at Southampton. Then came a 3-2 home defeat to West Brom. They have however had positive results with 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday and 2-2 with Millwall. A 3-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers became another setback. But they bounced back with a 3-2 win at Norwich City on Saturday thanks to two goals from Josh Windass in the second half to turn the game around. Wrexham have scored six goals and let in eight so far.
The summer brought big changes with a £33 million net spend, the second highest in the EFL. Key signings include Nathan Broadhead for £7.5 million from Ipswich Town. He has three goals already. Conor Coady came for £2 million from Leicester City with a welath of experience across the Premier League and Championship. These 13 new players have helped build a stronger team at the Racecourse. In the cup, Wrexham beat Hull City 2-1 at home in the first round, a 2-1 win at Preston North End in extra time came in the second round. At home, they are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions. They have scored seven goals and conceded three.
Reading are in a tough spot in League One. They are 20th with eight points from nine games. They have no wins in their last five league matches. They have however scored eight goals and conceded 14. In the cup, they beat Portsmouth 2-1 away in the second round. With goals coming from Andre Garcia and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. They also won 2-1 at home against AFC Wimbledon, with Mamadi Camara scoring late. This is their first third-round game since 2020. New owners Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair, who took over in May, are looking to relight a fallen giant, but away games are a key problem so far this season, having lost three of their last five. The teams have played 31 times before. Reading have 17 wins, Wrexham have 10. Last season in League One, both games ended 1-1.
Phil Parkinson tends to use a 3-4-3 setup, with Reading’s manager Noel Hunt usually deploying a 4-3-3. They will look for quick counters with Femi Azeez and Andre Garcia on the wing, providing them with pace and. Both teams have issues defending. Wrexham let in goals on the break. Reading have given away a lot of goals from set pieces so far.
This game could have goals. Wrexham have scored in four of their last five games. Reading’s cup matches have seen both teams score too.
Confrontation
Where To Watch Wrexham Vs Reading
Location: STōk Racecourse, Wrexham
Date And Time: September 23rd, 7:45pm
TV : SkySports+
Probable Lineups For Wrexham Vs Reading
Predicted Wrexham Lineup
- Lineup – A.Okonkwo, M.Cleworth, D.Hyam, C.Doyle, R.Longman, B.Sheaf, G.Dobson, I.Kabore, J.Windass, N.Broadhead, K.Moore
- Manager – Phil Parkinson
- Injuries/ Suspensions – A.Cannon, J.Rodriguez, O.Rathbone, G.Thomasson
Predicted Reading Lineup
- Lineup – J.Pereiera, J.Dorsett, D.Williams, F.Burns, A.Ahmed, L.Frazer, L.Wing, C.Savage, P.Lane, J.Marriott, D.Kyerewaa
- Manager – Noel Hunt
- Injuries/Suspensions – A.Mbengue, A.Yiadom, M.Camara, B.Elliott
