EFL Trophy Preview: Can Reading Maintain Premier League-Level Attack? Portsmouth's New Defensive Signings Show Promise

The EFL Trophy group stage continues in the early hours of October 11th, with Reading and Portsmouth looking to build on their opening performances. Reading, who thrashed Exeter City 9-0 in their first match, showcased an attacking prowess reminiscent of Premier League sides. Meanwhile, Portsmouth, with a significantly improved defense this season, remain unbeaten in their league campaign. However, their open playstyle in the EFL Trophy saw them draw 3-3 in their previous match. Will Reading maintain their attacking form? Will Portsmouth tighten their defense on home soil? Let’s dive into the details.

Reading vs. Swindon - A Goal Fest on the Cards?

Reading, currently languishing third from the bottom in League One after a four-point deduction, faces a precarious relegation battle. They trail the safety zone by four points and would barely be out of the relegation zone even without the deduction. Despite their dire league situation, they haven't abandoned the EFL Trophy. Twenty days ago, Reading's emphatic 9-0 victory over fellow League One side Exeter City demonstrated their offensive capabilities. Although Exeter didn’t field their strongest lineup, Reading’s dominance was striking, allowing just two shots from the opposition while firing 13 on target, converting nine of them into goals. Remarkably, no Reading player scored a hat-trick, highlighting the multitude of attacking threats they possess.

Swindon Town, on the other hand, are a mid-table team in League Two. They finished last season 14 points adrift of the promotion play-off spots. This season, they’ve started well, sitting five points behind leaders Notts County after 12 games. Swindon shares the distinction of being the joint-highest scorers in League Two with Notts County, underscoring their offensive potency. In their EFL Trophy opener against Arsenal U21s, Swindon twice took the lead despite being outplayed, only to be pegged back each time and eventually losing on penalties. Gaining a point from that match was still a positive outcome.

Both teams had mixed fortunes in their opening EFL Trophy games but showed a good deal of luck. Reading fans might worry that their goal glut against Exeter exhausted their good fortune. Given the long regular seasons in both League One and League Two, with 46 matches each, both Reading and Swindon have ample time to achieve their league goals. For this EFL Trophy clash, Reading, playing at home, are favored to edge out Swindon with a 2-1 victory.

Portsmouth vs. Gillingham - Defensive Fortifications on Display

Portsmouth remain unbeaten in League One after 12 games, currently topping the table despite having played one more game than most of their rivals. Alongside Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, Portsmouth is one of only three teams in England’s top four professional leagues to remain undefeated this season. Their success has been built on improvements at both ends of the pitch, but it’s their defensive solidity that stands out. The integration of two new defensive signings has been seamless, significantly bolstering their backline.

Gillingham, currently occupying a direct promotion spot in League Two, have shown considerable improvement compared to last season. However, their position feels precarious. They are the only team in the top ten of League Two with a negative goal difference, having scored just 11 goals in 12 games, the fewest in the division. Despite this, Gillingham’s progress is undeniable; they’ve won seven of their 12 league matches, already half as many as they won in the entirety of the previous season’s 46 games.

In their EFL Trophy opener, Gillingham defeated League One side Leyton Orient, while Portsmouth needed penalties to overcome Fulham U21s. Gillingham’s seemingly better luck in the EFL Trophy suggests they could continue their run. They are expected to secure a narrow 1-0 victory away at Portsmouth.

Detailed Analysis and Tactical Insights

Reading's Offensive Strategy

Reading’s thrashing of Exeter City was no fluke. Their attacking play is built around a high-pressing, quick-transition game that overwhelms opponents. In their 9-0 rout, Reading's forwards displayed remarkable efficiency and a keen eye for goal. This relentless attacking approach makes them a formidable opponent in cup competitions where the stakes are different from the grind of the league.

The diversity of their goal scorers against Exeter indicates a versatile attacking unit capable of exploiting multiple channels. The likes of Femi Azeez and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan are just a few examples of the attacking talent at Reading's disposal. Manager Ruben Selles will likely maintain this aggressive approach, focusing on quick transitions and high pressing to unsettle Swindon's defense.

Swindon's Resilience and Counter-Attacking Threat

Swindon, although playing a division lower, shouldn't be underestimated. Their ability to twice take the lead against Arsenal U21s despite being outplayed speaks to their resilience and counter-attacking threat. Players like Charlie Austin, who has Premier League experience, bring quality and a clinical edge to Swindon’s attacks.

Swindon's manager, Michael Flynn, will likely set his team up to absorb pressure and hit Reading on the break. Given Reading's attacking prowess, Swindon’s defense will need to be well-organized, with quick transitions from defense to attack to exploit the spaces left by Reading’s forward surges.

Portsmouth's Defensive Improvements

Portsmouth’s unbeaten run is built on a rock-solid defense, significantly bolstered by the additions of center-backs Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy. Their impact has been immediate, providing stability and resilience at the back. Manager John Mousinho has implemented a balanced approach, ensuring his team is compact defensively while still posing a threat going forward.

In the EFL Trophy, however, Portsmouth have shown a more open playstyle. Their 3-3 draw in the opening match indicated a willingness to take risks, which might not be replicated against Gillingham. Mousinho will likely revert to a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining their defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to break down Gillingham's defense.

Gillingham's Tactical Discipline

Gillingham's remarkable improvement this season can be attributed to their tactical discipline and defensive organization. Despite scoring the fewest goals in League Two, their ability to grind out results has kept them in the promotion hunt. Manager Neil Harris has instilled a strong work ethic and resilience in the squad, making them difficult to beat.

Against Portsmouth, Gillingham will rely on their defensive solidity and set-piece prowess. With players like Mikael Mandron providing a physical presence up front, they will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Portsmouth. A tight, disciplined performance could see them secure a vital away win.

The EFL Trophy matches between Reading and Swindon, and Portsmouth and Gillingham, promise to be intriguing contests. Reading will aim to replicate their attacking masterclass, while Swindon will rely on their resilience and counter-attacking threat. Portsmouth’s newfound defensive strength will be tested by a disciplined Gillingham side eager to continue their good form in the competition.

As the group stage progresses, these matches will not only determine who advances but also provide valuable insights into the teams' strategies and form. With both league and cup ambitions in play, the stakes are high, and every match offers a chance to build momentum and confidence for the challenges ahead.