BY JAMES KELLY
The Carabao Cup returns this week with Millwall taking on League One Reading FC at The Den on Tuesday evening.
The Lions returned the league action on Saturday, beating Middlesbrough 1-0 with Romain Esse scoring the winner in an impressive display at the Riverside. Quite the contrary to Reading who narrowly lost 1-0 to Peterborough United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in new boss Ruben Selles’ first game in charge.
It has also been a turbulent summer for Reading with loads of off the field issues clouding over the club. A transfer embargo being placed on the club has led to increasing pressure from the fans for owner Dai Yongge to sell the club. However, despite this the royals have been able to recruit after that embargo was lifted. Bringing in the likes of wingers Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing from Cambridge United and Wycombe Wanderers respectively. As well as midfielder Charlie Savage from Manchester United and centre back Harlee Dean from Birmingham City.
Ones to watch
As mentioned, winger Harvey Knibbs was a part of the Cambridge United side that beat Millwall 1-0 in this competition last season. And while Tuesday’s game might not be of high priority, Millwall will hope to suppress him this time round.
As well as Knibbs, the core of Reading’s team from last season in the Championship will likely play a part such as Tom McIntyre, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Andy Yiadom and star striker Andy Carroll.
The difference makers
Impact sub duo Aidomo Emakhu and Romain Esse, who combined to secure all 3 points for the lions on Saturday will be hoping they’ve staked their claim to start this fixture. As well as Emakhu and Esse, last season’s top scorer Tom Bradshaw will be pushing for a start after coming off of the bench on Saturday. Finally, Andreas Voglsammer who scored against Reading last season could make an appearance in the hope of further rubbing salt in the Reading wounds.
The last time we met
In an incredibly uneventful game back in March this year, Millwall ran out narrow 1-0 winners at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. With Andreas Voglsammer slamming home a penalty in the first half in what proved to be the only shot on target all game.
What the bookies think
Bookmakers SkyBet make Millwall the overwhelming favourites heading into this one where they can be priced up at 1/2. Reading are currently priced up at 21/4.