Prediction Reading vs AFC Wimbledon 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the Carabao Cup on 26/08/2025

Match overview and context

The Carabao Cup second-round tie at the Select Car Leasing Stadium promises a lively night under the floodlights on 26/08/2025 as Reading welcome AFC Wimbledon. Referee Jacob Miles will take charge when the teams kick off at 18:00, and the familiar surroundings of Shooters Way — capacity 24,161 — will be buzzing as Reading look to overturn recent mixed form and Wimbledon aim to extend a bright run of results. This cup tie brings an extra edge: the two sides met less than two weeks ago in League One, where AFC Wimbledon left with a 2-1 win at Reading, a result that still stings and will certainly shape the tactical approach on both benches.

Form, momentum and recent meetings

Reading arrive in unpredictable fashion. Their string of results over the last ten shows only two wins, three draws and five defeats, a run that reads D-D-L-W-L-L-L-D-L-W and highlights inconsistency even at home. The Royals have been capable of creating chances — their recent match statistics show an uptick in shots and attacking numbers — but converting that into reliable results has been a problem. Lewis Wing’s standout performance in the 2-2 draw at Wycombe (a match in which he earned the best player rating) underlined Reading’s ability to impact high-tempo games, yet defensive lapses have undermined that promise.

AFC Wimbledon, by contrast, arrive riding a wave. Their form line over ten reads W-L-W-W-L-L-W-W-W-W, seven wins in ten, and that momentum has seen them deliver solid away performances and cup resilience. They dismantled Barnsley 2-0 in their most recent outing and earlier edged Reading 2-1 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, proving they can produce on the road. Ryan Johnson’s recent form earned him the best player rating in the Barnsley victory, and Wimbledon’s attacking patterns — reflected in a dangerous attacks average that outstrips Reading’s — hint at a side comfortable taking the game to opponents.

Tactical battle and what to expect

This tie should be contested at pace. Reading will try to press their crowd into life, using set-pieces and corners where they typically find chances, while Wimbledon are likely to remain compact and clinical, exploiting transitions and dangerous attacks that have been a hallmark of their recent outings. Expect an open first half, with both sides probing for early advantage; the Cup setting makes conservative tactics less attractive and motivates underdogs to push.

Betting suggestion

Taking the recent run of form, the head-to-head victory earlier this month, and Wimbledon’s attacking threat into account, the clearest value lies with the away win in the 1X2 market. AFC Wimbledon to win (1X2) at the available price of 3.00 represents a sensible, value-backed pick given their momentum and proven ability to beat Reading on this ground recently.