Brentford remain unbeaten and travel to lower-league opposition: Reading vs Brentford prediction
Reading
The EFL Cup third-round match between Reading and Brentford will take place on 15 September at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The hosts have already eliminated Bromley and Stevenage, while the visitors began their campaign with a convincing win over Birmingham.
Reading: good run ended before the cup tie
Liam Richardson's side had gone five matches unbeaten before losing 2-1 to Cambridge United at the weekend. Reading opened the scoring through Jack Marriott but conceded twice after the break.
The hosts have already come through two rounds of the EFL Cup: after a 1-1 draw with Bromley they progressed, before comfortably beating Stevenage 3-0. This time, however, the level of opposition will be significantly higher.
Brentford: unbeaten at the start of the season
Keith Andrews's side are yet to lose a competitive match. Brentford began the season with a 3-0 victory over Tottenham and thrashed Birmingham 6-1 in the previous round of the EFL Cup.
Three consecutive draws followed that impressive start, so the visitors have lost a little momentum. Nevertheless, the depth of the squad allows them to rotate while maintaining a clear advantage in quality.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Reading reached the third round after matches against Bromley and Stevenage.
- Brentford remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.
- The visitors have won their last four meetings with Reading.
The difference in quality should tell: Reading vs Brentford prediction
Reading are capable of creating chances at home and have already shown that they are comfortable in this competition. However, against Premier League opposition, the hosts are likely to spend far less time on the front foot.
Even with rotation, Brentford's squad looks stronger and deeper. If the visitors play with discipline, they should progress without too many problems.
