AFC Wimbledonvs.Reading

While Reading are preparing themselves for a Championship campaign, Wimbledon are looking to ready themselves for a League Two promotion bid.

Match preview

After being relegated last season, Wimbledon will be aiming to return to League One at the first attempt this term.

Preparations for the campaign have been mixed, with their opening three friendlies yielding one victory and two defeats.

Bedford Town were beaten 2-0 before Wimbledon suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Eastbourne Borough.

Following two games against non-league opposition, the Wombles faced a football league side on Saturday, but it proved to be a difficult outing, with Ipswich cruising to a 3-0 victory.

Ahead of his first season as Wimbledon manager, Johnnie Jackson will be hoping his side can gain confidence in their final two friendlies against Reading and Oxford United.

After keeping Reading in the Championship last season, Paul Ince was rewarded for his efforts by being named Reading manager on a permanent basis.

Ahead of the new campaign, Reading have already tested themselves in three pre-season friendlies against varying levels of opposition.

They claimed a 2-0 victory over Colchester United before losing 2-0 to Portuguese giants Benfica in their second pre-season game.

The level of opposition did not get any easier on Saturday when Reading played host to West Ham United, with the Royals managing to hold the Premier League side to a 1-1 draw.

Following an encouraging performance against the Hammers, Reading will now prepare for Tuesday's meeting with Wimbledon before facing Brighton & Hove Albion in their final friendly of pre-season.

AFC Wimbledon Club pre-season form:

Reading Club pre-season form:

Team News

Lee Brown and Aaron Cosgrave missed Wimbledon's friendly defeat to Ipswich on Saturday due to injury issues, and the pair are expected to remain sidelined for the midweek contest.

After playing at the weekend, Jackson could rotate his side in a bid to keep the squad fresh ahead of the new season.

Kyle Hudlin could make his first appearance for Wimbledon after recently arriving from Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan deal.

As for Reading, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni are currently on trial with the club, and they are expected to be given the chance to impress Ince on Tuesday.

Sam Hutchinson is also on trial with the club, and with the former Sheffield Wednesday player reportedly close to securing a contract, he is set to be included in the starting lineup against Wimbledon.

Shane Long could also be included in the side after making his first appearance on Saturday since returning to the club for a second spell.

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Tzanev; Pearce, Nightingale, Kalambayi; Gunter, Marsh, McCormick, Frimpong, Chislett; Robinson, Hudlin

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre, Guinness-Walker; Fornah, Hendrick; El-Mhanni, Ejaria, Hoilett; Long

We say: AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Reading

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