A look ahead to tonight’s meeting with Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup
A change of focus on Tuesday evening; we are back home and hosting Championship opposition when we take on Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.
Our first-round tie acted as a platform for some of our younger boys to stake a claim – and with a 4-0 win in Millwall, they certainly did that against opponents from a league above! And it’s a similar type of challenge this time around on home turf, as we host a Tractor Boys side that have made a strong start.
Tickets
Only the Sir John Madejski Stand will be open for home supporters for this fixture, and seating will be unreserved. Season Ticket Holders will have the option to load their ticket on to their Access Card for this fixture, and Google & Apple Wallet tickets, Print at Home and paper tickets are all available.
A reminder that advance prices are available for this game until four hours before kick-off. Prices are as follows:
| Age category | Advance price | Matchday price |
| Adult | £12 | £17 |
| 65 & Over | £9 | £12 |
| 18-24 | £9 | £12 |
| 17 & Under | £7 | £9 |
| 12 & Under | £5 | £7 |
The easiest way to buy tickets is online using the link below. Our Ticket Office phone lines will be open from 10am until 6pm, and the Ticket Office will be open in person from 5pm until half-time.
Hospitality
A reminder that we have spaces available in Hospitality – where Noel Hunt will be our guest speaker.
One-course boards and bowls buffet with a selection of grilled meats and vegetables. Padded Royals Balcony seating. Cash bar and one parking space per table of four. Adult £85 per person, Children £54 per person. Book or enquire using the link below.
Hospitality: Reading vs Ipswich Town
Guide to home tickets
Full information about all of your ticketing options can be found using the link below – including Print at Home, Google & Apple Wallet, collections and more.
Parking
Seasonal Car park permits are valid for this fixture. Parking can be purchased up to four hours before kick-off for £5 and, subject to availability, any remaining parking spaces will be sold on the day at £10, card payments only. A blue badge is required for our accessible car park. Use the link below for full travel and parking information.
Buses
Reading Buses 'Football Buses' services will be in full operation - information can be found through the link below.
Reading Buses https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/matchday-services-football
RoyalsTV
Please note that this fixture is not eligible to stream as live video anywhere in the world. That means there will be no Video Match Passes available, and that Seasonal and Monthly subscribers will not be able to access a video stream.
The following pass will be available to purchase:
- Audio Match Pass (£2.50) | Worldwide
While overseas supporters with a Video Monthly Pass or Video Season Pass will not be able to watch this game, please note that audio commentary will be available to subscribers at no additional cost.
See our available subscriptions
The opposition
There was a three-horse race for the title in League One last season – Ipswich were pipped to the crown by Plymouth Argyle, but edged out Sheffield Wednesday for the runners-up space, and in doing so, avoided the need to go through the drama of the play-offs in securing promotion back to the Championship.
Kieran McKenna’s side had a perfect start to life back in the second tier with some big results in the opening weeks of the season. Wins against each of Sunderland, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers – alongside a Carabao Cup triumph against Bristol Rovers – meant for a 100% record in their first four games. Their first setback came last Saturday with a 4-3 home loss to Leeds.
One to watch: George Hirst
It remains to be seen what type of squad is selected by the Tractor Boys for this fixture – but George Hirst could certainly pose a threat if selected to play in RG2.
Son of former Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst, George played twice for the Owls – firstly in this competition when they were defeated by Cambridge, and then once in the league when Wednesday lost 2-1 to Reading.
Since then, he has gone on to pass the 150-appearance mark in all competitions at the age of 24 – some coming in Belgium with OH Leuven, but a majority coming during loan spells from Leicester City. His most recent loan was with Ipswich last season – a deal that turned into a permanent transfer last summer.
His goal in Sunderland on the opening day proved decisive in a 2-1 win – added to six strikes in a promotion-winning season for the Suffolk side last year.
Ref watch
Lewis Smith takes charge for the Carabao Cup tie – his sixth fixture of the season. His previous five have been split between two games in each of Leagues One and Two, as well as a Carabao Cup tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport. He hasn’t been shy to issue a booking – 24 times he has reached for his yellow card so far.
This marks his first fixture in charge of a Reading game; it is also his first full season refereeing in the EFL, having begun the previous campaign in the National League. Smith ended the 2022-23 by making his officiating debut in the Championship as he took charge of Watford’s 2-0 win over Stoke.
Dean Treleaven and Declan O'Shea will be assisting by running the lines, while Sam Purkiss is fourth official.