Reading FC's League Cup journey continues with a second-round away tie against fellow League One side Stevenage this week. The two clubs have experienced a strikingly similar start to the new league campaign, each taking just one point from their opening two fixtures, as reported by The Tilehurst End.
Reading currently sit 17th in the League One table with one point, having drawn one and lost one of their two matches. They have scored three goals and conceded four, leaving them with a negative goal difference. The Royals are already five points behind early leaders Bradford City.
What is Stevenage's form and style?
Stevenage have mirrored Reading's league start exactly, drawing 1-1 at Burton Albion before a 2-1 home defeat to Oxford United. Their cup form has been stronger, securing a 2-1 first-round victory at Wycombe Wanderers thanks to a 95th-minute winner from striker Josh Magennis. Manager Alex Revell, appointed permanently in May 2024, favours a direct, high-pressing style of football. He typically sets his team up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Their expected lineup includes Marschall in goal, a defence of James-Wildin, Vancooten, Piergianni and Freestone, with Thompson shielding the back four. Phillips, Taylor, Roberts and Patterson are likely in midfield, supporting lone striker Michael Mellon.
Who is Stevenage manager Alex Revell?
The Stevenage dugout is led by 43-year-old Alex Revell, a former striker with a 20-year playing career. He represented clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Rotherham United and Cardiff City before ending his playing days at Stevenage. After retiring, he moved into coaching within the club's youth setup. Revell's first taste of first-team management came in 2020, though that season was cut short by the pandemic. He guided Stevenage to 14th in League Two the following year before being sacked in November 2021. He rejoined the club two months later, worked his way into Steve Evans' first-team coaching staff, and took interim charge in April 2024 before being handed the permanent job for a second time a month later. He has since delivered finishes of 9th, 14th and 6th in League One.
Who are Stevenage's key summer signings?
Stevenage have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in six players on permanent deals. Three arrived on free transfers: goalkeeper Daniel Barden, midfielder Terry Taylor, and experienced striker Josh Magennis. The other three were purchased for undisclosed fees. Defender Terence Vancooten rejoined the club from Burton Albion, striker Olly Sanderson was bought from Fulham, and striker Michael Mellon arrived from Burnley. Vancooten's career path includes a spell with Reading, though he never made a first-team appearance for the Royals after joining from Staines Town in 2016.
What's next for Reading after this cup tie?
Following this midweek cup fixture, Reading's immediate focus returns to League One and improving their early-season standing. Their next league assignment is a home game against Mansfield Town on September 2nd. Mansfield currently occupy 11th place in the table. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures and standings pages. The Royals will be looking to top scorer J. Marriott, who has three goals in two appearances, to provide the firepower needed to climb the league.
