MATCHWATCH : Wrexham (a)

[Sutekh]

When : Tuesday September 23, 2025, 7.45pm
Where : Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AH
Capacity : 13,214

Back on the cup trail again and this time it’s the long midweek trek to second division/Championship Wrexham. We can relax knowing that it doesn’t really matter and the likely stuffing will be an experience for all. However a win would be amazing, though Wrexham are on a hiding to nothing in this one.

Wrexham have also had a poor start to their season so far (they’re 15th) but seem to have picked with a 3-2 win at a decidedly inconsistent Norwich on Saturday, they’re currently challenging for mid table obscurity so theoretically there actually might not be too much between the two teams, especially after the likely alterations to the starting XIs for this competition.

The Reading connection is strong with this one. Not only because of Phil Parkinson and Sam Smith but because they added Dominic Hyam into their defensive mix in the summer but it’s likely only Sam will start.

The winner will be ball 11 in the draw for the next round on Wednesday night.

Referee

Simon Mather

Previously

26 Apr 25 > Bristol Rovers 0-2 Reading
26 Oct 24 > Reading 1-0 Bristol Rovers
13 Feb 24 > Fleetwood Town 1-1 Reading
05-Aug-23 > Reading 0-1 Peterborough United

Historically

The only previous cup game between the two sides in Wales was a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup back in January 1957, well done to anyone on here who went to that one.

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and go
2. Now app/Sky Red button
3. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
4. Ring/text a mate for updates
5. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
6. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM ; 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4, BBC iPlayer Radio (other radio apps are available ))

[WestYorksRoyal]

Obviously cups not important, but if we win this is starts getting interesting in the last 16. Real possibility of a big tie and payday if we win. So would go pretty strong.

Rest Marriot as he looked knackered. Don't risk Williams even if available. Otherwise, go for it.

[Snowflake Royal]

Would guess the team will be something like:

.....................Stevens
Abrefa, Stickland, Dorsett, Ryan
......................Fraser
..............Doyle......Sackey
Garcia........................Ehibhatiomhan
..................O'Mahoney

Rawley, O'Connor, Jacob, Ritchie, Kyerewaa, Marriott, Elliott

[Mid Sussex Royal]

Obviously cups not important, but if we win this is starts getting interesting in the last 16. Real possibility of a big tie and payday if we win. So would go pretty strong.

Rest Marriot as he looked knackered. Don't risk Williams even if available. Otherwise, go for it.

Yes agree, would go strong - we already need getting on for 2 points a game for the play offs now so that's already looking out of the question. Its not often we get a chance to get to the last 16 of a cup involving the big sides.

[Clyde1998]

Would guess the team will be something like:

.....................Stevens
Abrefa, Stickland, Dorsett, Ryan
......................Fraser
..............Doyle......Sackey
Garcia........................Ehibhatiomhan
..................O'Mahoney

Rawley, O'Connor, Jacob, Ritchie, Kyerewaa, Marriott, Elliott

Assuming everyone's available, I wouldn't be surprised if it's that starting XI. Could perhaps see Jacob starting instead of one of the full-backs; Elliott ahead of Sackey; O'Connor starting if fit enough.

Would like to go stronger and get through the tie though.

[Mr Angry]

Reading win as Wrexham won't be up for it.

[Mr Angry]

Reading win as Wrexham won't be up for it.

[traff]

Would guess the team will be something like:

.....................Stevens
Abrefa, Stickland, Dorsett, Ryan
......................Fraser
..............Doyle......Sackey
Garcia........................Ehibhatiomhan
..................O'Mahoney

Rawley, O'Connor, Jacob, Ritchie, Kyerewaa, Marriott, Elliott

Assuming everyone's available, I wouldn't be surprised if it's that starting XI. Could perhaps see Jacob starting instead of one of the full-backs; Elliott ahead of Sackey; O'Connor starting if fit enough.

Would like to go stronger and get through the tie though.

Ma's Pony up against a back 3 on his own should be effective

[South Coast Royal]

Obviously cups not important, but if we win this is starts getting interesting in the last 16. Real possibility of a big tie and payday if we win. So would go pretty strong.

Rest Marriot as he looked knackered. Don't risk Williams even if available. Otherwise, go for it.

Yes agree, would go strong - we already need getting on for 2 points a game for the play offs now so that's already looking out of the question. Its not often we get a chance to get to the last 16 of a cup involving the big sides.

Agreed.
Cups are the main thing for this season as the league will just be about consolidation.
A win then possibly an attractive draw in the next round is desirable in a season that looks as though it will be mundane (even if dull, survival is the main aim for the league which is quite acceptable for this season only).

It's about time O'Connor got a game even if he gets subbed at half-time.

[tidus_mi2]

We have a full squad to use and the EFL Cup has to be a low priority with a game coming on Saturday, I would hope to see reasonable rotation personally.

[Hound]

Thoroughly bored of the league campaign already so a bit of interest in the cup would be good

But then don’t really think our reserve players are much different to the first 11 anyway

Prob Stevens, Abrefa, Ryan, Ehibhatiomhan, Sackey, Stickland, O Mahony in. Prob Camara if fit

Give Williams a break. Play O Connor if possible