Preview:Reading vs. Stevenage - prediction, team news, lineups

A place in the next round of the EFL Cup is up for grabs on Tuesday when Reading welcome Stevenage to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The teams head into this one off the back of victories in their respective last outings, and both will be looking to pick up where they left off.

Match preview

Reading got their league season up and running with a narrow 2-1 triumph over Cardiff City when the sides went head-to-head on Saturday afternoon.

Paul Ince's men trailed to Callum O'Dowda's early opener before goals in either half from Shane Long and Tom Ince turned the game around.

With three points from their opening two outings this term, the Royals sit ninth in the Championship, three points behind league leaders Blackburn Rovers.

Next up is the challenge of an opposing side who have only come out on top in one of the previous five meetings between the teams across all competitions.

Fresh from a first competitive home triumph since April last time out, Tuesday's hosts will head into the contest with the wind in their sails.

Stevenage maintained their 100% start to the new campaign courtesy of a 2-1 win over Stockport County at the Broadhall Way on Saturday.

Steve Evans's men went behind to Callum Camps's goal just before the hour mark after which late strikes from Luke Norris and Jamie Reid turned the game on its head.

As a result, the Boro are fifth in the League Two table as things stands, but they only trail current leaders Walsall only on goal difference.

Having recorded four wins and as many clean sheets from their last six away games, Tuesday's visitors have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack away from home.

Team News

After coming off the bench to good effect for Stevenage last time out, Jamie Reid could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup here.

Elliott List was absent for the away side's victory over Stockport on Saturday, and the midfielder is a huge doubt for Tuesday's encounter as well.

Shane Long found the back of the net on his full debut for Reading and the Irishman is expected to lead the line once again in this one.

Thirty-three-year-old Sam Hutchinson is set to miss a third game on the bounce as he continues to battle with a hamstring problem.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Hoilett, Yiadom, Holmes, McIntyre, Guiness-Walker; Ince, Fornah, Hendrick, Ejaria; Long

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Clark, Piergianni, Vancooten, Sweeney, Wildin; Taylor, Bostwick, Reeves; Norris, Roberts

We say: Reading 2-1 Stevenage

Playing in front of their fans, Reading will be expected to seize the initiative and take the fight to Stevenage. We are tipping the home side to emerge triumphant, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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