Wrexham vs Reading Prediction: Goals the order of the day

Wrexham got an impressive away win at Norwich over the weekend, and they’ve got past two fellow Championship teams in the form of Hull City and Preston North End to reach round three of the Carabao Cup.

They now face League 1 opposition in the form of Reading (19:45, Sky Sports+), and are clear favourites to make it through to the next round. Below you can find my Wrexham vs Reading predictions. 

Team News

In an interesting little quirk, when these two last faced off at the Racecourse, in August 2024 in League 1, Sam Smith lead the line for Reading and Jack Marriott played up front for Wrexham. Tonight, we could see those two start again, but this time for the opposite teams as Smith left Reading for Wrexham in January, and Marriott went the other way in August. 

The hosts should rotate slightly given they are facing lower-league opposition, and Wrexham would be wise to rest Ben Sheaf given his injury issues at Coventry. Their bench at Carrow Road was strong, with Matty James, Conor Coady, Nathan Broadhead and Smith all expecting to come into the XI.

Lewis Brunt and James McLean should also start, while with Danny Ward out injured, Phil Parkinson will have to choose between Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton in goal. 

Football Odds

Without the same squad depth, Reading boss Noel Hunt may choose to tweak the XI that started in the 2-1 win over Leyton Orient on Saturday. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan is likely to come in and lead the line, while Matt Ritchie may feature on the right wing. 

Left-back Matty Jacob should replace Jeriel Dorsett while Brighton loanees Mark O'Mahony and Kamari Doyle should also feature in the final third. 

Wrexham vs Reading Odds

Wrexham are the 8/13 favourites to win this game, giving them an implied win probability of 62% for this home match. Reading are 9/2 to grab an away win in 90 minutes having beaten Portsmouth at Fratton Park in round one, while a draw is 16/5.

Over 2.5 goals is 4/6, BTTS is 8/11 and Ryan Hardie is the favourite to open the scoring, along with Smith, at 4/1.

Over 3.5 goals @ 7/4 

Both of these teams have seen plenty of goals this season, with Wrexham in particular scoring and conceding a glut of goals in the Championship. Their 3-2 win at Norwich was typical of what we have seen from Parkinson’s men so far, and they’ve conceded an xG of 2.02 per 90 so far this season, which is the most in the division by quite some way. 

In seven of their eight games this season in all competitions, both teams have scored, while in six of their last seven Wrexham matches there have been over 3.5 goals. That makes this pick excellent value, especially when you consider that Reading have scored in their last nine outings and certainly pose an attacking threat.

Nathan Broadhead to score first @ 6/1

Broadhead has found minutes hard to come by over the last few weeks, after a slight injury, but he was back on the bench against Norwich and I think this cup fixture is the perfect time to get him back into the XI. Clearly one of Wrexham’s better players after joining from Ipswich Town, Broadhead scored 13 league goals last time he was at this level and should have what it takes to find the net against League 1 opposition.

The odds of 6/1 for him to score first offer exceptional value if he is on the teamsheet, given his pedigree and Reading’s defensive susceptibility - the Royals have only managed to keep one clean sheet in all competitions this term. 

Offers

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