Reading vs Swindon Town
EFL Trophy
Southern Group G
Tuesday
10th October 2023
Select Car Leasing Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Trophy fixture between Reading and Swindon Town.
Reading vs Swindon Town: Preview
Reading form analysis
The Royals completed an excellent comeback 2-1 home win over Bolton, turning it around late through goals from Savage and Vickers. However, defensive issues surfaced in a heavy 1-4 home loss to Blackpool, with only an own goal for Husband to show in reply to Rhodes’ hat-trick.
Reading did stop the rot with a goalless home draw against Burton though, restoring some defensive solidity. But problems at the back returned in a 1-3 loss away at Northampton, despite Ballard pulling one back after going two down. Last time out, Reading suffered a fourth straight game without a win, edged out 2-1 away at Leyton Orient in stoppage time after Bindon had equalized.
Overall, Reading have struggled defensively while also lacking attacking spark at times. Conceding at least twice in every game highlights issues Paul Ince needs to address at the back. Going forward, relying too heavily on lone striker Carroll has hampered creativity. They still have the quality to compete at the top this term after last season’s agonizing playoff final loss. But substantially improving performances in both boxes is crucial now after this difficult spell.
Swindon Town form analysis
Swindon began with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Walsall thanks to goals from Austin and Hepburn-Murphy. They then drew an entertaining 2-2 game away at Morecambe, with Kemp and Austin on target before being pegged back late on. Swindon returned to winning ways with a hard fought 2-1 home victory over Grimsby, sealed by goals from Kemp and Cain.
However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-3 home loss to Notts County, badly exposed by County’s efficient attack despite Shade pulling one back. Last time out, Swindon suffered a second straight defeat, beaten 1-0 away at Bradford after failing to create much.
Overall, Swindon have showcased their attacking potential but struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals already. Austin and Kemp have impressed going forward. But silly errors at the back have cost them points in games they should be winning. If Scott Lindsey can retain their threat upfront while eradicating mistakes defensively, Swindon have enough quality to push for promotion again. But cutting out defensive lapses is crucial now to get their season back on track after recent losses.
