Reading will host Chelsea’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday October 13 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with kick-off set for 7pm. For Reading, the match is another chance to tighten their grip on a place in the knockout rounds after a strong start to the group stage.
The Royals are in pole position to advance after Chelsea’s under-21s have taken one point from two games, leaving the visitors with work to do if they are to stay in the race. Chelsea’s route so far has included a draw against Bristol Rovers and a loss to Wycombe Wanderers, which left them third after two EFL Trophy matches.
What Chelsea U-21 bring into the game
Chelsea’s young side arrive with recent momentum of their own after beating Fulham’s under-21s 3-1 on Saturday. That result offered a reminder of the attacking talent in the squad, even if their EFL Trophy form has been less convincing. The team are also being assessed through their Premier League 2 position and cup results, so this fixture offers another useful marker for their development.
Reading, meanwhile, have their own encouraging background form. On Saturday they scored five goals in a league match without Jack Marriott, underlining the spread of their attacking options. That kind of output will give them confidence heading into a cup match that could shape the final standings in the group.
Referee focus
George Laflin has been appointed as the referee for the match, and the National League official has averaged 4.9 yellow cards per game this season. That is worth noting in a fixture that could carry real significance for both sides, particularly if the contest becomes tight as Reading look to protect their advantage and Chelsea chase a way back into contention.
The weather forecast for the match is 16 degrees, which should make for a straightforward evening at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. For Reading, the task is simple: keep their momentum going and move one step closer to progressing from the group.
