Wrexham have learned their third round opponents in the Carabao Cup after beating Preston North End on Tuesday night.
Wrexham are into the third round of the Carabao Cup for the first time under Phil Parkinson.
After a second-round exit in 2023 and a first-round elimination in 2024, Wrexham are into round three.
Wrexham beat Preston North End 3-2 on Tuesday night, coming from 2-1 down to secure a late victory.
Fans have been desperate to land a huge tie in round three, but the draw has given Wrexham a real chance to reach round four.
Wrexham to face Reading in Carabao Cup clash
The draw was conducted straight after Manchester United’s stunning defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town, ruling out the prospect of the Red Devils arriving in Wrexham.
Wrexham’s reward for beating PNE is a League One opponent, as Reading will make the trip to the STōK Cae Ras in the week commencing September 15, 2025.
The Royals beat AFC Wimbledon 2-1 on Tuesday night, securing their passage into the third round.
Wrexham won’t take this game lightly, but Phil Parkinson will certainly back his squad to overcome Reading and book a spot in round four.
The tie will see Parkinson come up against the club where he is still a hero from his playing days.
Sam Smith will also be in line to face his former club, having left Reading to sign for Wrexham in January.
Confusion surrounds Jack Marriott’s availability against Wrexham
One man who may not be involved is Jack Marriott.
Marriott left Wrexham to join Reading earlier this week, and his departure has sparked emotional messages from both Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds said goodbye to Marriott, while Mac admitted he already misses the striker, having seen him head to Berkshire on Tuesday.
Reading confirmed on their official website on Tuesday that Marriott would not be allowed to face AFC Wimbledon as a result of being cup-tied.
Intriguingly, though, Wrexham fan Craig Jones on X has pointed out that new rules mean Marriott could feature after all.
Rule 6.4 in the EFL Cup rules handbook states that players can play for two clubs if they move between clubs before the summer transfer deadline.
‘A Registered Player shall be permitted to play for up to two Clubs (or clubs) in the Competition in any one Season where such Player:
– has appeared for his parent Club (or club) in the Competition prior to the closure of the Summer Transfer Window and has subsequently moved to a different Club (or club) on a Temporary Loan Transfer or permanent Transfer prior to the end of that Summer Transfer window.’
Reading believe Marriott is cup-tied, which brings a real level of confusion to matters.
The Royal left Marriott out against AFC Wimbledon, but the EFL rules suggest that he could be available to face Wrexham after all.
Clarity will come ahead of the game, but Marriott may have a chance to face Wrexham and receive a warm welcome upon his return.