Match Preview: Wrexham vs Reading - Expert Analysis

Just 18 months ago, these two sides were separated by 50 teams in the English football pyramid but now they are both battling for promotion to the Championship. Wrexham’s rise over the past two years has been entirely down to their new ownership which has seen the club surpass everyone in the lower divisions of the football league. Reading however have been heading in the opposite direction. This is now their second year in League One and their fans will be hoping that it will be their last.

Wrexham vs Reading Standings

After two games, Wrexham sit in eighth place in the table with four points. They started their season at home to Wycombe and managed to claim a 3-2 victory in that game before they travelled to Sheffield United in the League Cup. Unfortunately they were unable to beat higher league opposition on that occasion and returned to Wales on the losing side. Last week they faced Bolton Wanderers away from home and managed a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

Reading are also on four points in League One after two games, but because of their superior goal difference, sit in fifth. Their season started in the most difficult way possible, facing Birmingham City away from home. They were able to hold the league favourites to a draw before losing away to Colchester in the EFL Cup. Last week they managed to secure their first win of the season in a 2-0 home win against Wigan. In midweek they had their first game in the EFL Trophy. They beat West Ham U21s 3-1 at home.

Wrexham vs Reading Head to Head

The two sides have only met five times this century, all in 2000 and 2001 and all won by Reading. The last time Wrexham beat this weekend’s opponents was in 1998. The most recent fixture between these two teams was in December 2001 and ended in a 2-0 defeat for Wrexham.

Wrexham vs Reading Top Scorers

Wrexham don’t have an out and out top scorer so far this season as they have three players all on one goal. Max Cleworth, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher all scored in the 3-2 victory over Wycombe Wanderers. Last season’s top scorer Paul Mullin is yet to make an appearance this campaign as he has remained sidelined through injury.

For Reading, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan has two goals and is their top scorer so far. He has netted in both league games this season and will be looking to continue his scoring streak when Reading travel to Wrexham this weekend.

Wrexham vs Reading Team News

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson could name his same lineup that started the game against Bolton last week, with Jacob Mendy and Paul Mullin still out. Both players are set to return soon, but this weekend seems to be too soon for them.

For Reading, Harvey Knibbs will be missing after he sustained a groin injury and Andy Yiadom is still missing with a knee problem. Femi Azeez recently completed a move to Millwall so Ruben Selles will need to see if his team can cope without him. He too could use the same starting XI that played last weekend after he made a number of changes for the game in midweek.

Wrexham vs Reading Predicted Lineups

Wrexham: Arthur Okonkwo; James McClean, Thomas O'Connor, Eoghan O'Connell, Max Cleworth, Sebastian Revan; Elliot Lee, George Dobson, Andy Cannon; Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott.

Reading: Joel Castro Pereira; Jeriel Dorsett, Tyler Bindon, Amadou Mbengue, Michael Craig; Charlie Savage, Lewis Wing, Ben Elliott; Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Sam Smith, Mamadi Camará.

Wrexham vs Reading Player to Watch

For me, the most exciting player in this game will be Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. At just 21 years old, he has already scored twice in the league this season and looks like a really exciting prospect. The youngster was born in Nigeria but has lived in England since he was a teenager and came through the academy at Reading.

It already looks as if this could be his breakthrough season and if he carries on his goal scoring, then it will only be a matter of time before a Championship side snaps him up. He is tall, strong and fast, all of the attributes you would want from a forward.