Reading aim to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy as they welcome MK Dons to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday for their third outing in the group phase.
The Royals currently sit second in Group D of the Southern Section with three points from two games, edging Swindon Town—who have a game in hand—on goal difference. Securing maximum points against the Dons could move Noel Hunt’s side to the top of the table, depending on the outcome of Swindon’s and West Ham United U21’s second fixtures later in the month.
Read our Reading vs MK Dons predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Trophy tips.
Contents
Reading vs MK Dons prediction: The Royals aim for top spot
Key stats:
- Reading are unbeaten in their last three matches, having both scored and conceded in each of them.
- Both teams have found the net in each of the last two meetings between the sides.
- The Royals have not lost any of their previous three home encounters against MK Dons in all competitions.
- A goal has been scored before half-time in each of Reading’s last three games.
Correct score prediction: Reading 2-1 MK Dons
It is worth noting that MK Dons travel to Berkshire in good spirits after recording back-to-back victories in League Two. However, meeting a League One opponent away from home presents a more demanding test. With the incentive of moving top of the group, Reading are expected to make the most of home advantage. Both sides have been prone to conceding, so a match where the two teams find the net appears likely, though the Royals are tipped to edge the contest.
Pre-match analysis: Hosts have the edge
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
The odds highlight Reading as clear favourites, with a 55.6% chance of victory compared to MK Dons’ 16.7%. This comes as little surprise given the two sides currently compete in different tiers of English football, with the Royals operating in the higher division.
Most recent H2H: The Royals to continue unbeaten home run?
The most recent encounter between the sides ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for Reading in the FA Cup in 2023 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, extending their unbeaten home run against MK Dons to three matches.
England FA Cup 04/11/23
Reading
Milton Keynes Dons
England EFL Cup 23/08/16
Reading
Milton Keynes Dons
England Championship 16/01/16
Milton Keynes Dons
Reading
England Championship 22/08/15
Reading
Milton Keynes Dons
Reading preview: Hunt torn between youthful reliance or experience
Reading opened their EFL Trophy campaign with a 3-2 defeat at Swindon Town before responding with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United U21 on matchday two. However, the Royals could not carry that momentum into League One, drawing 1-1 against Mansfield Town on Saturday.
Manager Noel Hunt is aiming to guide his team back to winning ways but will be without midfielder Tivonge Rushesha, who sustained an injury late in the win against West Ham U21 and has not featured since. Defender Paudie O’Connor remains out with a calf injury and has yet to appear this season. Mamadi Camara and Derrick Williams are also expected to remain sidelined after recent absences.
Under-21 prospects Jacob Borgnis and Jeremiah Okine-Peters, along with 20-year-old striker Mark O’Mahony, were all on target against West Ham U21, giving Hunt much to consider. The question remains whether he will continue trusting his young squad or turn to more experienced figures for this encounter against senior opposition.
Predicted XI: Stevens; Abrefa, Dorsett, Stickland, Jacob; Savage, Wing, Elliott; Ritchie, O’Mahony & Ehibhatiomhan
Last five games
- 04/10/25: Reading 1-1 Mansfield (D)
- 30/09/25: Reading 3-1 West Ham U21 (W)
- 27/09/25: Stockport County 1-1 Reading (D)
- 23/09/25: Wrexham 2-0 Reading (L)
- 20/09/25: Reading 2-1 Leyton Orient (W)
MK Dons preview: Fresh injury adds to fitness woes
MK Dons currently sit bottom of Group D in the Southern Section following a humbling 5-1 defeat to West Ham United U21. Paul Warne’s men now seek maximum points on Tuesday to revive their qualification hopes before their final group-stage clash against Swindon Town on November 11.
The visitors arrive with momentum after consecutive league wins over Shrewsbury (2-1) and Gillingham (3-2), but injuries continue to plague the squad. Scott Hogan and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy are the latest additions to a lengthy list that also includes Gethin Jones, Kane Wilson, Aaron Collins, Joe Tomlinson, and Jack Sanders.
Predicted XI: Trueman (GK); Offord, Tripp, Maguire, Mellish, Gibley, Kelly, Crowley; Leko, Paterson & Mendez-Laing
Last five games
- 04/10/25: MK Dons 3-2 Gillingham (W)
- 27/09/25: Shrewsbury 1-2 MK Dons (W)
- 20/09/25: MK Dons 1-2 Accrington (L)
- 16/09/25: MK Dons 1-5 West Ham U21 (L)
- 13/09/25: Chesterfield 1-1 MK Dons (D)
Player to watch: Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan missed a key opportunity to level against West Ham U21 but saw his teammates complete the turnaround. The attacker will aim to make a greater impact this time around, particularly against a side he previously found the net against.