Reading v Carlisle United FA Cup Preview

On Saturday, Mark Hughes takes his Carlisle United side to Berkshire to take on League One side Reading in the first round of the FA Cup.

Reading have just parted ways with manager Noel Hunt after a disappointing start to the season and appointed Leam Richardson as his replacement.

Carlisle have enjoyed a very good start to life in the National League. Could there be a classic FA Cup shock on the cards here?

How Have Both Teams Been Playing?

Reading despite sacking their manager this week have two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five games in all competitions. Reading have beaten MK Dons the EFL trophy and Northampton in the league, they have drawn with Exeter and Reading and they lost to Cardiff also in the league.

The Royals are currently in 19th place in League One and are two points above the relegation places.

The Cumbrian’s recent form has been nearly perfect. Mark Hughes side have won four and drawn one of their last five games in all competitions. Carlisle have beaten Boston in the FA Cup, beaten Hartlepool, Scunthorpe and Forest Green in the league and last time out drew away to Yeovil Town.

Carlisle United are currently in 3rd place in the National League and are one point behind the leaders Rochdale.

Players To Watch

Lewis Wing

The 30-year-old midfielder is the talisman for this Reading side, his quality in midfield, runs from midfield and goal contributions have been a constant in a turbulent time for the club since he joined from Wycombe Wanderers in 2023. If Reading are to win this game I think Wing will have a major part to play in that.

Lewis Wing has three goals and three assists so far this season for Reading despite their poor start to the season.

Jack Marriott

The 31-year-old experience striker has scored goals at every club he’s played for in the EFL. He is a fox in the box and knows how to finish but his movement off the ball could cause the blues’ back line some problems here. Marriott has been injured in recent works but could be back for this game so he may not start but could be a danger off the bench.

Jack Marriott has six goals and one assist to his name so far this season.

Charlie Savage

The 22-year-old has been one of the more consistent performers so far this season in a struggling team. His ability to get on the ball and thread passes in to the attackers and keep attacks flowing is something in particular Carlisle will have to pay attention to.

I’m sure his dad will have had a word with his son to get one over on the Cumbrians here.

Daniel Kyerewaa

The 24-year-old will play out wide and his pace and ability to whip balls in to dangerous areas will cause Carlisle problems. The winger came through the youth system at German side Schalke before his move to Reading and is still finding his feet but he could cause the Carlisle full backs some problems if he’s playing well.

Kyerewaa has one goal and one assist so far this season and will be looking to improve those statistics here.

My Predicted Carlisle United Starting Eleven

Lewis, Davies, Hayden, Feeney, Harper, Ellis, Macadam, Conn-Clarke, Linney, Luamba, Armstrong.

I think Hughes will rotate in certain areas but will want his side to have the best chance to get a result so will still go relatively strong.

After playing in the previous round, Lewis may start again. The back four picks itself right now due to form and injuries. I think Ellis may come in to the midfield ahead of Grant, Macadam has earned a start after his last two games off the bench. Up front Conn-Clarke and Linney should play and if Luamba is fully fit it’s between him and Williams for the right wing position and Kelly has played a lot in the league so I think Armstrong may get the nod in this one.

My Score Prediction

Reading 2-1 Carlisle United

This game is a bit of a free hit for the blues, it wasn’t so long ago we were playing teams like Reading in League One but I think with the new manager bounce and their superior quality they will just have too much for us.

Reading have lots of players that can hurt us defensively as mentioned above and Carlisle will have to be on top form to get a result here.

All that being said, the FA Cup can spring surprises and if Carlisle get an early goal anything could happen on any given day.

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