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Round two of the 2026-27 EFL Cup brings an all-League One clash at the Lamex Stadium as Stevenage host Reading on Tuesday.
Neither side claimed victory in their weekend league fixtures, but one will return to winning ways in this cup tie.
Read our Stevenage vs Reading prediction, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Stevenage vs. Reading key stats
- Stevenage's loss to Oxford United was their first defeat in five matches.
- Eight of the hosts' last 10 matches have produced fewer than five bookings; nine of Reading's last 10 have done the same.
- Tuesday's visitors are unbeaten in seven of their last eight outings.
Stevenage vs. Reading preview: Much-needed respite for the Boro
Stevenage vs. Reading — Tale of the Tape
| Stevenage | vs | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 19th (EFL League One) | Position | 17th (EFL League One) |
| 1 | Points | 1 |
| 2 | Goals For | 3 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 20th | Home / Away Rank | 19th |
Reading entered the 2026-27 campaign on the back of an impressive pre-season, winning five of their six warm-up matches, including each of the final four without conceding, with a combined score of 10-0.
However, their first competitive outing saw them held to a 1-1 draw by Bromley in the EFL Cup, with Joel Pereira delivering the decisive penalty save to secure progress.
Stevenage are top of the League One standings in terms of fouls committed per game.
Leam Richardson's side then lost 4-3 and drew 0-0 in their opening two league fixtures, either side of another penalty shootout, this time against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Trophy, meaning both of their wins this season have come in cup competitions.
Richardson felt his side deserved more than a draw against Wimbledon last time out, and the 46-year-old will hope for a more productive showing at Stevenage, where Reading have won only once in their last five visits, most recently losing 2-0 in March.
With their league fixture against Oxford United, originally scheduled for Saturday, now postponed, Reading will be eager to get back on track before their next outing against Mansfield in 10 days' time.
Like Reading, Stevenage have made an underwhelming start to their league campaign, collecting just one point from a possible six after a 2-1 defeat to Oxford on Saturday.
Alex Revell's side had earlier beaten Wycombe 2-1 to end a run of consecutive first-round EFL Cup exits, and will now aim to reach the third round for the first time since 2022.
Reading's Jack Marriott is the early frontrunner for the League One Golden Boot with three goals.
That run included a 2-1 win over Reading, but it is one of only two victories for Stevenage in the last 10 editions of this fixture.
Stevenage have not suffered back-to-back home defeats in competitive matches for nearly nine months and will hope to maintain that record after Tuesday's final whistle.
Stevenage vs. Reading form guide & betting tips
| Stevenage | vs | Reading |
|---|---|---|
WDL |
Form | WLWD |
| 4 | Goals For | 5 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 6 |
W |
EFL Cup | W |
Whispers predicts: Stevenage 2-1 Reading
Stevenage have struggled against Reading in recent years, but Tuesday offers a big opportunity for the hosts to turn the tables, and we back them to secure the win at 6/5 (2.20).
Although each of the last six meetings has produced fewer than three goals, over 2.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) could land here.
Stevenage and Reading are averaging a combined nine corners per game in League One this season, so over 8.5 corners at 2/3 (1.67) is an attractive selection.
> Stevenage to win at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 8.5 corners at 2/3 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible