There was finally a win in the league for the Royals as Reading beat Port Vale 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to another stunning goal, by Paddy Lane this time. But it’s onto the Vertu Cup, where we face rivals Swindon Town, who’ve had a decent start once again in League Two this season.
I wrote this on Deadline Day and, at time of writing (4pm), there were no new Reading signings.
Swindon are coming off back-to-back wins in League Two, with the latter being a 3-0 victory against Crewe Alexandra. New signing
Ollie Palmer should make the squad for this one and will be a great addition to the Robins’ side.
In this preview I will talk more about Palmer and how he fits into the Swindon side, alongside the other strikers they have at the club, and I will give my predictions for this match!
What? Vertu Trophy, group stage, game one
Season? 2025/26
Who? Swindon Town
Where? The County Ground
When? Tuesday September 2
Time? 19:00
Opposition manager? Ian Holloway
Ollie Palmer
Swindon’s recent signing from Wrexham has a lot of weight to his name. Being in a side that has made back-to-back-to-back promotions is one hell of an achievement. 132 games and 42 goals is a good return considering the strikers around him, and having dropped back into midfield a few times, he will be a great addition to Swindon. He has also won this very competition back in 2017/18 with Lincoln City.
But each position comes with a fight. So, who will he be fighting with to start?
Firstly, Aaron Drinan, who is currently Swindon’s top goalscorer with three and the joint-third-highest goalscorer in the league so far. A left-footer who plays on the right-hand side, has the capability to play anywhere across the front line.
His main strength is his ability to win aerial battles. He has won 96% of his aerial duels in the past year, which is an outstanding number given how League Two can be played sometimes. Although Palmer is good, I don’t see him displacing Aaron Drinan any time soon.
Next up is ex-Liverpool academy man Paul Glatzel, a quick forward who plays as a second striker to react to whatever Swindon are able to create. This works really well as a dynamic, because Drinan is able to win the headers and knock them down to Glatzel to be through on goal.
The only problem with Glatzel currently is that he only has one goal so far this season, which is why I think this is the most likely switch when bringing him in. In fact, in Swindon’s last game, it was Glatzel that was replaced for Palmer when he made his debut for the club this weekend.
Now to talk about others who are fighting for these places and one who I think will start this game.
Firstly, Billy Bodin. The ex-Reading man signed for Swindon this season and has come off the bench three times, getting a goal against Shrewsbury Town. He failed to play against Crewe most recently so he will be looking to fight his way back into the side.
Finally, a player who I think will start this game and won’t get a reunion as his brother is injured, but Princewill Ehibhatiomhan is another looking to make an impact. On loan from Southampton, the young striker scored his first goal for the club in a Carabao Cup loss against Cardiff City.
Fun fact from that game: Ehibhatiomhan was the most common name on the scoresheet that day with both Princewill and Kelvin netting – against Cardiff and Portsmouth respectively. I think he has a lot of potential and will play this game against Reading.
My lineup
I expect a rotated side in this one with Jack Stevens in goal. With this being the last game before the international break, there will be time for the players to settle, come together as a team and play the right football.
The defence will be Asqhar Ahmed, Michael Stickland, Phillip Duah and John Ryan.
The midfield will consist of Tyler Sackey, Shay Spencer and Tivonge Rushesha.
The attack will be Matt Ritchie, Joseph Barough and Mamadi Camara.
Score prediction: 3-0 Reading
With a heavily rotated side, the scoreline may be closer, but I do think the Royals will come out victorious.
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
