Reading vs Wycombe prediction 18.08.2026 | EFL Trophy

Reading are playing their fourth consecutive season in League One after their relegation from the Championship in the 2022/23 season. The Royals failed to reach the playoffs in those seasons and were mostly a mid-table team. Last season, they had a chance of reaching it, but had an atrocious end to the season and eventually finished 12th. 

In the first game of this season against Luton, Reading had a comfortable 3:1 lead after the first half. However, they completely crumbled in the second half and eventually lost 4:3! Last season, they had massive defensive problems, and it seems those problems will continue this year. 

After the game, coach Leam Richardson spoke to the media. He said it was sickening to lose a game like that. The coach said they dominated the game in the first half and cannot afford to score three goals and still lose. 

Wycombe suffered relegation from the Championship in the 2020/21 season and then finished between 5th and 11th over the following five seasons. Last season, like Reading, Wycombe had an atrocious end to the season and finished 11th, blowing their opportunity to secure the playoffs. This year, a mid-table finish seems the most likely outcome for the Chairboys. 

In the first game of the season, Wycombe drew 1:1 with Blackpool. After the game, the coach said they had the opportunity to win all three points but hinted they did not deserve them based on their performance. However, he wasn't too unhappy, saying they won a valuable point on the road. The coach eventually said there are areas to improve, especially when they have the ball.