Swindon vs Reading prediction 02.09.2025 | EFL Trophy

In the 21st century, Swindon were often between English football's third and fourth levels. However, in the last few years, they stabilized themself in League One. Swindon are excellent at the start of the 2025/26 season as they collected 12 points in the opening six league rounds. With an outstanding start, pundits started to see them among the favorites in the promotion battle. 

Swindon are excellent lately as they have won three of the last four matches. In the previous game, the team from County Ground won 3-0 on the road against Crewe. The home side ended the match with an xG of 0.51, while the guests had 2.41, leaving no doubt about who deserved the win. 

On Friday, Swindon announced the signing of forward Ollie Palmer from Wrexham. 33 A 33-year-old player who scored 61 League Two goals already debuted the next day in the club's victory against Crewe. 

Swindon's Tom Nichols suffered an injury late in the previous game and is unlikely to play on Tuesday against Reading. Nichols will join James Ball and Harry Smith, who are already unavailable. 

Older fans surely remember that Reading spent a few seasons in the Premier League in the 21st century, but right now, playing in the third level of football in England is a reality for the team from Berkshire. Some pundits saw Reading among the promotion candidates in the current season, but Noel Hunt's team started with only five points in the first six League One rounds. However, it seems that Reading's form is improving as they are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions. In the previous game, the Royals won 1-0 at home against Port Vale. 

Paddy Lane, who scored the only goal in Swindon's last match, was forced off with an injury and is expected to miss Tuesday's game. Paudie O'Connor, Tivonge Rushesha, and Andy Yiadom are also sidelined and will be unavailable for the upcoming EFL Trophy clash.