Coming off the back of a second win in the league, Reading return to the competition they seem to be doing the best in, having already beaten both Portsmouth and AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup. Getting a win against Leyton Orient is great and it seems Reading could be gaining form a little more again.
Wrexham are finding life difficult in the Championship, managing only two wins from their six games, but they are also coming off the back of a 3-2 victory against Norwich City thanks to two goals from Josh
Windass. The pressure has eased on Phil Parkinson but the Royals could change that!
In this preview I will compare Sam Smith and Jack Marriott, who’ve both moved between the two clubs this year; look at Paudie O’Connor and the impact he could have if he makes his debut for the club; and give my predictions.
What? Carabao Cup round three
Season? 2025/26
Who? Wrexham AFC
Where? Racecourse Ground
When? Tuesday September 23
Time? 19:45
Opposition Manager? Phil Parkinson
Jack Marriott vs Sam Smith
As I explained in the previous preview, Marriott has had a great impact since signing for Reading. He has easily been our best striker since Smith, who left to go the other way in January, but which player has had the better impact?
Smith is yet to start a game in the league in 2025/26 but has one goal off the bench, which came against West Bromwich Albion in the second match of the season. He started both games in the cup and I expect him to do so in this one too.
According to WhoScored, his strengths include aerial duels, finishing and headed attempts, which can be backed up by his time with Reading and also with Wrexham in League One last season. However, Wrexham have so many attackers on their books that it’s looking unlikely he’ll get much game time this season, especially with Windass and Kieffer Moore playing as well as they are.
There was a reason Marriott left Wrexham.
In my opinion, he’ll have more of an impact on Reading this season than Smith will at Wrexham just due to game time. Marriott has two goals in two starts in the league and is looking like a great system player, which is what Reading needed.
I think Marriott would have grabbed a goal against his former side if he weren’t cup-tied, having played against Hull City in a previous round, while Smith will watch on and wish he was still with the winning side.
Paudie O’Connor
Having been training recently on the grass more, Paudie O’Connor is likely to make his first appearance for the Royals in this one. Reading were defensively questionable against Leyton Orient and I think he can be the man to make the difference.
He was the highest-rated defender in the league last season but, naturally, because I got him on my shirt, he started the season injured. Yet to play a competitive game for Reading, I think he still has what it takes to fulfil my prediction and be the signing of the summer for the Royals.
O’Connor’s only downside is his discipline. He has a lot of cards to his name and the games he misses could be a detriment. However, if he were to play, he has all the right attributes to lock down Moore and give him no opportunities to get through on goal.
Funnily enough, his last league match was against Wrexham. He and Lincoln City suffered a 2-0 loss in what was one of his worst games last season, playing the full 90 minutes. I am hoping he can play a little better in this one if he starts.
My predictions
As it is a cup game I expect Jack Stevens to start in goal. He has played pretty well in the cup matches so far and I expect him to keep that up.
The defence should be Kelvin Abrefa, Michael Stickland, Jeriel Dorsett and John Ryan, with O’Connor hopefully making an appearance off the bench.
The midfield will consist of Tivonge Rushesha, Liam Fraser and Kamari Doyle. A mix of first-team and squad players could be what it takes to get into the heads of the Wrexham players.
Finally the attack. I think it will be Paddy Lane, Mark O’Mahony and Andre Garcia. Like I said earlier, Marriott is cup-tied, but I expect Garcia to get an involvement.
Score prediction: 2-0 Royals!
Good luck to those going to the game!
Apologies that this isn’t a particularly long preview as I’ve been extremely busy recently! But I will make up for it with some analysis ready for Saturday’s game!
Come on you Royals!
