With Reading out of the League Cup, injuries piling up and some difficult games on the horizon, Royals are coming into a difficult period of the season. Next on the agenda are Stockport County, who are currently eighth in the league, with 15 points from nine games.
Stockport were one of Reading’s bogey teams last season with the Royals failing to concede fewer than three goals in either fixture, losing 4-1 away and 3-1 at home. With ex-Reading player Oli Norwood captaining the side that I think “found
Reading out” last season, they are looking to do the same again.
It’s clear Reading aren’t the greatest away from home, and with injuries to many defenders, some players are going to have to step up.
In this preview I will analyse the game against Championship opponents Wrexham in midweek, mention the injuries to certain players and look at how this will affect the team, and of course, I will give my predictions.
What? League One matchday nine
Season? 2025/26
Who? Stockport County
Where? Edgeley Park
When? Saturday September 27
Time? 15:00
Opposition Manager? Dave Challinor
Wrexham vs Reading
The first half against Wrexham was one of the best I’ve seen Reading play this season: very composed on the ball, making some good forward runs and defensively very solid, even with a makeshift defence. With more shots, more possession and more accurate passes, the Royals seemed to be in line to win the game.
However, an injury to Andre Garcia forced him off just before half-time, which changed the contest. Although possession-wise it was quite even after the break, Wrexham came into their own with 13 shots and five on target to Reading’s four shots, three on target, after half-time.
The first goal could have been avoided with a little bit of better defending but it was a good strike on the ball from Nathan Broadhead.
The second, however, should not have happened. A strike once again from Broadhead should have found its way into the ‘keeper’s hands. There was then a mix-up between Matty Jacob and Jack Stevens, and the ball seemed to ricochet off Jacob and find its way into the back of the net. It was poor from both parties and Sam Smith being on the line with them definitely didn’t help the situation either.
It was a game that definitely could’ve gone either way if you look at the first half, but the second half was awful. And to make matters worse there were some injuries to come with the game.
Injuries!
It was reported after the Wrexham game that we are currently a few more players down.
Due to a hamstring injury in the Leyton Orient game, Derrick Williams will be out for four to five weeks, while Jeriel Dorsett also got a knock at the weekend. Garcia was then forced off on Tuesday night due to up a groin injury.
Paudie O’Connor isn’t ready to play for the first team and Matt Ritchie is sore from Saturday’s game. Andy Yiadom is a long-term absentee.
This means that, available in defence, we have Michael Stickland, Jacob, Kelvin Abrefa, Ashqar Ahmed and Finley Burns.
This is a small problem as we are lacking defenders who have decent experience in the back line. Garcia coming off against Wrexham changed the game and it is a big miss not having him for this one.
Stockport knowledge
Last season, Stockport ran Reading ragged. They were the first team to figure out that Reading played through Lewis Wing and they had him cornered from the start of the game. He had no time or space on the ball and it meant the Royals couldn’t do anything in either match. Not only this, but it also allowed Norward to run the show.
However, we now have new faces that could prove to be the difference. Liam Fraser can be the second option in the midfield if Wing gets pressed like he did last season. Kamari Doyle, who has to start every game, is a great attacking option and I think he will get a goal involvement in this one.
Finally, my other tip for a goal involvement is of course Jack Marriott. I have spoken a lot about him recently and I think he will grab a goal in this one.
My lineup
Joel Pereira will play in goal. Although Stevens had a mare midweek, I do think he is the best back-up ‘keeper we have had in years. If Pereira were to get injured I have full faith that he could perform at a similar level.
The defence will be Abrefa, Burns, Stickland and Jacob.
The midfield will be Wing, Fraser and Doyle.
The attack will be Paddy Lane, Marriott and Daniel Kyerewaa.
Score prediction: 2-2
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
