Preview: Wrexham vs. Reading – prediction, team news, lineups

Reading will attempt to claim a third straight win in all competitions when they travel to Wales for Saturday’s League One clash with Wrexham.

Meanwhile, the Red Dragons will be looking to return to winning ways after failing to win either of their last two competitive matches.

Match preview

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Wrexham earned back-to-back promotions to secure them a spot in the third tier for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.

The Red Dragons marked their return to the third tier with a 3-2 home win against Wycombe Wanderers on the opening day of the season.

Wrexham followed that narrow win with a 4-2 EFL Cup defeat to Sheffield United, before they played out a goalless draw in Sunday’s away league clash with Bolton Wanderers.

They will now to the Racecourse Ground where they are unbeaten in five competitive matches since losing to Tranmere Rovers on March 16.

The Welsh side will be hoping to extend their impressive home run in their first meeting with Reading since falling to a 2-0 defeat in December 2001.

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After contending with a six-point deduction last season, Reading are hoping the 2024-25 campaign will offer greater stability.

There are certainly cause for optimism, with former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig on the verge of purchasing the club from Dai Yongge.

While Reading’s off-field issues could soon be resolved, Ruben Selles has been focused on matters on the pitch, having seen his side make an encouraging start to the new season.

The Royals took a point from their opening game against recently relegated Birmingham City, before they were ousted on penalties in their EFL Cup clash against Colchester United.

However, they produced a positive response to their first-round exit, claiming a 2-0 league victory over Wigan Athletic and recording a comfortable 3-1 win against West Ham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

They will now be targeting a third consecutive victory and their first away win of the season in Saturday’s trip to Wales.

Wrexham League One form:

Wrexham form (all competitions):

Reading League One form:

Reading form (all competitions):

Team News

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Wrexham wing-back Jacob Mendy stepped up his recovery with a return to action in Tuesday’s reserve fixture against Stoke City Under-21 side.

It remains to be seen whether Mendy is ready for first-team involvement, while Wrexham will also have to assess Paul Mullin‘s fitness with the striker on the brink of a return after making significant progress in his rehabilitation from minor spinal surgery.

Phil Parkinson could opt for consistency and name the same XI that started the recent goalless draw against Bolton.

Meanwhile, Reading are unable to call upon attacker Harvey Knibbs, who has been sidelined with a groin injury for three to four weeks.

Andy Yiadom remains absent due to a knee problem, while Femi Azeez recently completed a move to Championship side Millwall.

After making several changes in midweek, Selles could revert back to the side that started the league win over Wigan

Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Okonkwo; Revan, Cleworth, O’Connell, O’Connor, McClean; Cannon, Dobson, Lee; Marriott, Palmer

Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Elliott, Wing, Savage; Camara, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith

We say: Wrexham 2-2 Reading

Wrexham and Reading have both taken four points from their opening two league games, and we think they will maintain their unbeaten starts to the League One season by playing out a draw in Saturday’s clash at the Racecourse Ground.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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