This Week's Opposition: Reading

Pompey's Carabao Cup First Round opponents are picked apart by Jake Smith ahead of Tuesday night's meeting at Fratton Park.

After an opening day Championship victory at Oxford, the Blues return home to Fratton Park next to take on League One outfit Reading in the First Round of the Carabao Cup.

MANAGER

The Royals, also known as The Biscuitmen, are loaded with ex-Portsmouth players and one of them occupies the dugout.

Noel Hunt, who played as a striker on the South Coast for one season in 2016/17, took charge of Reading last December following the departure of Ruben Selles to Hull City.

Since his appointment, the 42-year-old has overseen 12 wins from 33 competitive matches, accruing a win percentage of 36.4.

ONE TO WATCH

Inevitably, former Pompey winger Paddy Lane is our one to watch at Fratton Park this midweek.

The 24-year-old joined Reading on a 3-year deal on July 31st for an undisclosed fee and will continue to wear the squad number 32.

The Northern Irishman made his first start for his new club at the weekend alongside another ex-Blues player, Mark O’Mahony.

TOP SCORER

The Royals have yet to find the back of the net this season so they don’t have a leading scorer at the moment.

In 2024/25, attacking midfielder Harvey Knibbs was the club’s top goalscorer with 14 league strikes and 16 across all competitions, however he’s since joined Championship new boys Charlton Athletic, scoring on debut at the weekend to seal a late victory over Watford at The Valley.

CURRENT FORM

Reading finished just outside of the League One Play-Offs last term and have gotten off to a poor start this time around, currently sitting rock bottom of the division having lost both of their games so far by 2 goals to nil.

On Saturday, Noel Hunt’s side took on Huddersfield Town in their first home match of the campaign and were beaten by goals from former Blues defender Jack Whatmouth and 19-year-old Cameron Ashia.

Portsmouth have only recently played Reading, picking up a 4-0 win at the Madejski Stadium in pre-season.

In the First Round of this competition last campaign, The Royals came from behind to draw 2-2 with Colchester United away from home but ended up losing the tie on penalties.

Who will advance to the Second Round of the Carabao Cup?

Join Jake Smith, Charlie Sinclair and James Wilson LIVE from 7pm on Tuesday (August 12th) for all of the unmissable action as Pompey Live returns to cover this Carabao Cup First Round clash at Fratton Park.

Kick-off: 7:45pm!