The pre-season build-up for the 2025-26 campaign gains momentum as Reading FC welcome Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur to the Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly the Madejski Stadium) in Reading, Berkshire. This highly anticipated friendly is scheduled for today, Saturday, July 19, 2025, with kick-off at 3:00 PM BST (5:00 PM EAT in Kenya). While it's a warm-up fixture, it promises an exciting test for both sides as they prepare for their respective league challenges.
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The Significance: A Crucial Test for Both Clubs
This friendly match holds particular importance for both Reading and Tottenham as they embark on new seasons with distinct ambitions.
Reading FC, having navigated a challenging period, will be looking to build stability and mount a strong challenge in League One (the third tier of English football) for the upcoming season. This match against a top-tier Premier League opponent offers an invaluable opportunity for the Royals to:
Test their squad depth: Manager Ruben Selles will likely give minutes to a wide range of players, including new signings and promising academy graduates, to assess their readiness for competitive action.
Build fitness and cohesion: Facing a high-calibre team like Tottenham will push Reading's players physically and tactically, aiding in their pre-season conditioning.
Gauge their progress: It's a chance for Reading to measure themselves against a team operating at a significantly higher level, providing insights into areas for improvement.
Tottenham Hotspur, now under the stewardship of new head coach Thomas Frank, are embarking on a new era after a strong 2024-25 season that saw them secure European qualification. This match is their official pre-season opener and a vital part of Frank's introduction to the squad:
First impression for the new manager: Fans will get their first glimpse of Frank's tactical philosophy and how he intends to shape the team. He has already spoken about what he is looking for in this pre-season opener.
Integrating new signings: Spurs have been active in the transfer market, and this match offers an early opportunity for new players to gel with their teammates. While specific names are often kept under wraps before official announcements, reports indicate a focus on strengthening various areas.
Building match sharpness: After a period of rest and initial training, the players will use this game to regain their match fitness and sharpness before the Premier League season begins. Frank has also provided updates on the fitness of key players like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin.
Head-to-Head: Spurs Dominance, but Friendlies Can Surprise
Historically, Tottenham Hotspur has largely dominated the competitive encounters against Reading. Across 10 competitive matches since 2005, Tottenham has won 8, Reading has won 1, and there has been 1 draw. The last Premier League meeting in January 2013 saw Tottenham win 3-1 at home.
However, friendly matches often produce different dynamics. Their last friendly encounter was in August 2020, where Tottenham won 4-1. While Tottenham will be the clear favourites given the league disparity, pre-season friendlies are more about performance and fitness than the final score, and Reading, playing at home, will be eager to put on a good show for their fans.
Key Players and Tactical Approaches
Both managers will likely utilize their full squads, making numerous substitutions throughout the match.
Reading FC will aim for a disciplined defensive performance to contain Tottenham's attacking threats. They will look to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities and set pieces. Players who have shown good form in their recent friendly against Swindon Town (a 2-1 win) will be hoping to continue that momentum.
Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank are expected to play an attacking, high-intensity style. Fans will be eager to see how the team presses and transitions. Key players like captain Son Heung-min, if he features, will be looking to get on the scoresheet. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Spurs' midfielders aiming to dominate possession and create chances for their forwards.
Frank has highlighted that he will be using the game to observe how players adapt to his ideas and to manage their minutes effectively to build up fitness safely.
Where to Watch: Club Platforms and Online Resources
For fans in the UK and internationally, official club channels are the primary way to watch this friendly:
SPURSPLAY: Tottenham Hotspur's official streaming platform will broadcast the game live for their subscribers. A 12-month subscription to SPURSPLAY costs £45.
RoyalsTV: Reading FC's official streaming service will also be showing the match live. Fans can access this for a one-off payment of £5.
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Confirmed Lineups and Formations: Stay informed with the official starting XIs and tactical setups as soon as they are released, providing crucial insights into each manager's game plan.
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The Countdown to Kick-Off
The friendly between Reading and Tottenham Hotspur is more than just a warm-up game; it's a significant marker in both clubs' pre-season schedules. For Tottenham, it's the start of a new era under Thomas Frank and a chance to prepare for a demanding Premier League and European campaign. For Reading, it's a valuable test against elite opposition as they aim for a successful season in League One.
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