The Royals are still waiting for that elusive win in the league this season and, against one of my local teams, I think they have a great chance to get it.
It was another success in the Carabao Cup for Reading as they beat AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, in what was a very even game. Another assist for Andre Garcia – for Mamadi Camara – and a cracking goal from Liam Fraser, who has definitely been eating some of that mysterious Spaghetti Bolognese of Lewis Wing’s, saw the side go through to the third round,
drawing Wrexham away from home.
Port Vale also went through to round three, where they will face Arsenal, after beating high-flyers Birmingham City 1-0 at home. Vale are on the same number of points as Reading, having drawn with Burton Albion and Cardiff City, but they’ll try to carry some of the Birmingham momentum into this match.
In this preview I will mention the last time the two met and the significance of Port Vale in Reading’s recent history, pick out players who have played for both and give my predictions!
What? League One matchday six
Season? 2025/26
Who? Port Vale
Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium
When? Saturday August 30
Time? 15:00
Opposition manager? Darren Moore
Port Vale
The last time the two sides played was a rescheduled match in 2023/24, due to the first attempt being abandoned due to a pitch invasion. The reverse fixture went in Port Vale’s favour, with a 1-0 victory for the home side thanks to a 72nd-minute goal from Ben Garrity. But it was the second game that had more importance.
Reading fans were known for throwing tennis balls on the pitch in protest of previous owner Dai Yongge, who was ultimately draining the club and seemingly waiting for us to go bust. So the supporters planned to storm the pitch in protest against him. The game just so happened to be against Port Vale.
The match came and, in the 16th minute, it was abandoned due to a sustained pitch invasion. There was massive coverage of that game everywhere.
The rescheduled game ended in Reading’s favour with goals from Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs sealing the deal for the Royals. I just want to say a massive thank you to Port Vale fans and players who stood in solidarity with the safety of our club.
Players who have played for both
Here are three players to have played for both Reading and Port Vale:
Andre Bikey played 62 matches for Reading between 2006 and 2008, managing six goals. He was a starter in a Premier League Reading side for two years before later playing top-flight football again with Burnley.
He managed seven appearances for Port Vale in League One, signing for the club 10 years after his stint with the Royals. He later moved to India and retired in 2019.
Zak Jules failed to make a senior appearance for Reading but played at academy level.
He moved to Port Vale in 2017 where he only featured two times, not getting a goal involvement. He has played most for MK Dons and currently finds himself at Rotherham United, where he has made two appearances this season.
Finally, we have Jack Stevens. Playing 27 times for Port Vale, the goalkeeper then found his way to Cambridge United, making 45 appearances for them.
He has since signed for Reading where, this season, he has featured in our only two wins of the season: coming in both cup games.
My lineup
I suggest a similar but slightly changed line-up to the one we played in midweek.
I would actually give Jack Stevens a game in the league in this one. Like I said, he has featured in both wins so far and is playing well. This however is just a suggestion – I do think Joel Pereira deserves to keep his spot.
The back line will consist of Kelvin Abrefa, Derrick Williams, Finley Burns and John Ryan. Ryan deserves to keep his spot with a very good performance in midweek.
The midfield three should consist of Liam Fraser, Lewis Wing and Kamari Doyle. Doyle was outstanding in midweek and Fraser bagged a goal so I would keep them both in.
Finally, up front, I would have Mamadi Camara, Jack Marriott and Andre Garcia. Camara has played very well so far this season and has really improved as a footballer. I think he will play well with new signing Marriott. I also expect new signing Matt Ritchie to be on the bench.
Score prediction: 2-0 Reading!
Good luck to those going to the game and I hope we are able to accommodate the Port Vale fans that do make the trip down.
Come on you Royals!
