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

Stevenage will be looking to pick up an important win when they welcome Reading to Broadhall Way in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.

The hosts beat Wycombe Wanderers in the first round of the tournament, while the visitors beat Bromley on penalties.

Match preview

Stevenage reached the League One playoffs last season, but have made a poor start to the new campaign.

In their first two league matches, Stevenage have drawn 1-1 with Burton Albion and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Oxford United.

Alex Revell's side needed a stoppage-time goal from Olly Sanderson to rescue a point against Burton, while Jamie Reid could only bag a consolation goal in the 98th minute against Oxford.

Reflecting on the defeat to Oxford, Revell admitted his side's "performance became a bit desperate" and he will be looking for improvements against Reading.

It is worth noting that Stevenage have only beaten Reading once in their last six meetings, although that was a 1-0 victory back in March.

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Reading have also made a disappointing start to the new season, having been eyeing a promotion bid after signing the likes of Kyreece Lisbie, Udoka Godwin-Malife, Jacob Brown and George Earthy.

The Royals suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Luton Town in their opening League One match, with Gideon Kodua scoring a 96th minute winner after Jack Marriott bagged a first-half hat-trick for Reading.

That was followed by a 0-0 draw against Wimbledon, where Leam Richardson's side failed to score despite dominating possession and having 12 shots.

Richardson was "disappointed not to win", but admitted Reading "have to score when we’re on top" and that the "final pass let us down a bit".

Stevenage form (all competitions):

Reading form (all competitions):

Team News

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Stevenage could hand new signing Michael Mellon a debut, with the striker likely to partner Josh Magennis up front.

Jordan Houghton is likely to replace Jasper Pattenden after he picked up an injury against Oxford, while Phoenix Patterson and Terry Taylor could replace Saxon Earley and Louis Thompson.

Reading could give a first start to new signing George Earthy in the No.10 role, with Randell Williams and Paddy Lane in line for starts out wide.

Jacob Brown could replace Jack Marriott up front, with Liam Fraser and Charlie Savage in line for starts in midfield. 

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Marschall; Vancooten, Piergianni, Freestone; Houghton, Taylor, Phillips, Patterson; Kemp; Mellon, Magennis

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Godwin-Malife, O'Connor, Ward, Roberts, Dorsett; Fraser, Savage; Williams, Earthy, Lane; Brown

We say: Stevenage 0-1 Reading

Both teams are in need of a win and Reading's impressive record against Stevenage means we are backing them to pick up the victory.

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