MATCHWATCH : MK Dons (h)

[Sutekh]

When : Tuesday 7 October 2025, 7pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161

Another midweek cup game we all can do without and only a week after the last one too!


Nothing can really be decided on this, the last of Reading's group games, as Swindon have only played 1 game and, like West Ham and Reading also have 3 points. Basically though a clear win in 90 minutes is required of the Royals in order to maintain a decent chance of qualifying.

The deciding games for qualifying are Swindon v West Ham on 28th October and/or, finally, MK v Swindon on 11 November. Two qualify and the group standing is currently:

1. West Ham U21- P2 W1 D0 L1 F6A4 +2Pts3
2. Reading -P2 W1 D0 L1 F5A4 +1 Pts3
--------------------------------------------------------------
3. Swindon - P1 W1 D0 L0 F3A2 +1 Pts3
4. MK - P1 W0 D0 L1 F1A5 -4 Pts0





Don't believe anything has changed in this competition from last season, in which case the following still applies -

Player eligibility

Each FL league club MUST play a minimum of four qualifying outfield players in their starting XI. A qualifying outfield player was one who met any of the following requirements:
Any player who started the previous or following first-team fixture.
Any player who is in the top 10 players at the club who has made the most starting appearances in league and domestic cup competitions this season.
Any player with forty or more first-team starting appearances in their career, including International matches.
Any player on loan from a Premier League club or any EFL Category One Academy club.
A club can play any eligible goalkeeper in the competition.
Any player out on a long loan term at a National League, National League North, or National League South team can play as long as the loaning team agree to allow the player to return for the match.

For invited teams (the U21 sides)

Minimum of six players in the starting line-up who are aged under 21 on 30 June 2024.
Maximum of two players on the team sheet who are aged over 21 and have also made forty or more senior appearances.

Referee

David Rock

Previously

07 Dec 24 > Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Reading
26 Dec 23 > Peterborough United 2-2 Reading

Historically

Two previous cup games at the Mad Stad against franchise, a 2023 3-2 FA Cup win and a 0-0 League Cup showing in 2016.


How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel to the Mad Stad
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. That NOW/SKY thing again
5. Use a RoyalTV subscription
6. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

[Hound]

Can tell everyone’s really excited for this one

Basically same team as WHam please. Be good if O Connor can get some minutes though

[Snowflake Royal]

Can tell everyone’s really excited for this one

Basically same team as WHam please. Be good if O Connor can get some minutes though

Yeah, though I'd like a couple of changes though...
Id probably switch Abrefa and Ahmed around for cup and league.

Definitely want to see 20 mins from O'Conner if possible. I wouldn't persist with Rushesha or JOP - harsh as that might be after a goal.

Fraser hasn't got many minutes in a while, so I'd be tempted to involve him and then whoever isn't going to start for the first team on the wings. Osho if fit. Camara involved if fit.

[stealthpapes]

Sort of enjoyed watching these games so far, don't care about the result, like seeing the new / younger faces.

[morganb]

Can tell everyone’s really excited for this one

I'm excited - win this and we're all but through to the next round aren't we?

And Stickland should be captain again

[Whore Jackie]

Sort of enjoyed watching these games so far, don't care about the result, like seeing the new / younger faces.

Yep, me too. Like how Hunt predominately sticks to the Academy lads or newbies. Not sure the PL U21s add much to the competition, actually think it would be improved by inviting the National League instead.

[Hound]

Sort of enjoyed watching these games so far, don't care about the result, like seeing the new / younger faces.

Yep, me too. Like how Hunt predominately sticks to the Academy lads or newbies. Not sure the PL U21s add much to the competition, actually think it would be improved by inviting the National League instead.

Like Selles season 1, I’ve far more enjoyed our cup games than league this year