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AFC Wimbledon
Friendlies
Jul 19, 2022 at 7.45pm UK
 
Reading logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-1)
Meite (34'), Hendrick (75')

Preview: AFC Wimbledon vs. Reading - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's pre-season clash between AFC Wimbledon and Reading, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Reading will play their fourth match of pre-season when they travel to Cherry Red Records Stadium to face AFC Wimbledon.

While Reading are preparing themselves for a Championship campaign, Wimbledon are looking to ready themselves for a League Two promotion bid.


Match preview

Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson applauds fans after the match on January 9, 2022© Reuters

After being relegated last season, Wimbledon will be aiming to return to League One at the first attempt this term.

Preparations for the campaign have been mixed, with their opening three friendlies yielding one victory and two defeats.

Bedford Town were brushed aside via a 2-0 scoreline before Wimbledon suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Eastbourne Borough.

Following two games against non-league opposition, the Wombles faced a football league side on Saturday, but it proved to be a difficult outing, with Ipswich Town cruising to a 3-0 victory.

Ahead of his first season as Wimbledon manager, Johnnie Jackson will be hoping that his side can gain confidence in their final two friendlies against Reading and Oxford United.

Reading's Tom Ince celebrates after scoring their first goal with teammates on March 15, 2022© Reuters

After keeping Reading in the Championship last season, Paul Ince was rewarded for his efforts by being named manager on a permanent basis.

Ahead of the new campaign, Reading have already tested themselves in three pre-season friendlies against varying levels of opposition.

They claimed a 2-0 victory over Colchester United before losing 2-0 to Portuguese giants Benfica in their second pre-season game.

The level of opposition did not get any easier on Saturday when Reading played host to West Ham United, with the Royals managing to hold the Premier League side to a 1-1 draw.

Following an encouraging performance against the Hammers, Reading will now prepare for Tuesday's meeting with Wimbledon before facing Brighton & Hove Albion in their final friendly of pre-season.

AFC Wimbledon Club pre-season form:
  • W
  • L
  • L

Reading Club pre-season form:
  • W
  • L
  • D


Team News

Reading interim manager Paul Ince on March 15, 2022© Reuters

Lee Brown and Aaron Cosgrave missed Wimbledon's friendly defeat to Ipswich on Saturday due to injury issues, and the pair are expected to remain sidelined for the midweek contest.

After playing at the weekend, Jackson could rotate his side in a bid to keep the squad fresh ahead of the new season.

Kyle Hudlin could make his first appearance for Wimbledon after recently arriving from Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan deal.

As for Reading, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni are currently on trial with the club, and they are expected to be given the chance to impress Ince on Tuesday.

Sam Hutchinson is also on trial with the club, and with the former Sheffield Wednesday player reportedly close to securing a contract, he is set to be included in the starting lineup against Wimbledon.

Shane Long could also be included in the side after making his first appearance on Saturday since returning to the club for a second spell.

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:
Tzanev; Pearce, Nightingale, Kalambayi; Gunter, Marsh, McCormick, Frimpong, Chislett; Robinson, Hudlin

Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre, Guinness-Walker; Fornah, Hendrick; El-Mhanni, Ejaria, Hoilett; Long


SM words green background

We say: AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Reading

Wimbledon struggled against football league opposition on Saturday, and we think they will find it tough against a Reading side who have already beaten a League Two side this month.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Written by
Ben Sully

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Game History

How you voted: AFC Wimbledon vs Reading

AFC Wimbledon
42.9%
Draw
0.0%
Reading
57.1%
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General view of Reading's Madejski Stadium taken 2016
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