Preston North End vs Wrexham: How to Follow the 2025 EFL Cup Second Round Tie

The highly anticipated English League Cup (EFL Cup) second round match between Preston North End and Wrexham kicks off on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at 19:45 UK time (18:45 UTC). This fixture at Deepdale stadium, Preston, can be followed live on BBC Radio Lancashire (FM) and talkSPORT, offering fans comprehensive radio coverage with expert commentary and insightful reporting.

BBC Radio Lancashire presents the game with Andy Bayes as the main commentator. Bayes brings a wealth of broadcasting experience, known for his clear, engaging style and deep knowledge of football, particularly local and lower league teams. Joining him as co-commentator is Alan Kelly, a former professional goalkeeper with over 400 league appearances mainly for Preston North End and other clubs. Kelly’s expert insights into goalkeeping and defensive tactics add valuable depth to the broadcast.
The BBC is revered in the UK for its authoritative and impartial sports coverage, and fans can tune in to BBC Radio Lancashire for full audio coverage, pre-match buildup, and post-match analysis.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT, the UK’s leading commercial sports radio network, provides additional coverage featuring Natalie Pike reporting from the ground. Pike, a recognised broadcaster and reporter with extensive experience covering football events, offers live updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes commentary throughout the match. talkSPORT’s dynamic style appeals to a broad UK football audience seeking live narration and interactive content.

Match Background and Context

This EFL Cup tie marks a significant encounter between Preston North End, a Championship club with a storied history, and Wrexham, currently enjoying a surge in profile partly due to high-profile ownership and a fresh ambition to climb the English football ladder. This is an exciting fixture because it is reportedly the first competitive meeting between these two teams, adding an element of unpredictability and intrigue.
Preston North End, managed by Adam Herczeg as per recent records, will hope to leverage their home advantage at Deepdale. The team typically deploys a 3-1-4-2 formation, focusing on a strong midfield presence and attacking impetus. Wrexham, a club famed for its passionate Welsh fanbase, usually line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with notable players like forward O. Palmer, who has already scored twice this season, and midfielders E. Lee and J. McClean contributing goals and assists respectively. The encounter promises high intensity and competitive spirit.

Broadcast and Streaming Options

While the match is not appearing on traditional TV in the UK, fans can follow the live score and minute-by-minute updates through mobile apps like Sofascore and FotMob. These platforms provide detailed statistics such as possession, shots on target, key passes, and player ratings in real time.
Highlights will also be available after the match on channels such as YouTube, delivering summaries for those unable to catch the live commentary.

The Commentators and Their Credentials

Andy Bayes has been a prominent voice on BBC Radio Lancashire for years, known for his ability to convey the drama and technical nuances of football matches to a broad audience. Listeners appreciate his measured tone and his knack for storytelling around the game.
Alan Kelly, as a former professional goalkeeper, brings a player’s insight that enriches discussions on defensive plays, goalkeeping challenges, and match psychology. Kelly’s post-playing career as a commentator and analyst has earned him respect among football fans and media alike.
Natalie Pike has worked extensively with talkSPORT, delivering engaging sports reports and interviews. Her presence during the match brings an on-the-ground perspective, offering fans updates on atmosphere and player conditions.

This blend of experienced commentators and reporters ensures that fans of the EFL Cup tie get thorough and expert coverage whether listening at home or on the move.

About the Sponsors and Competition

The English League Cup, known for sponsorship reasons as the Carabao Cup, is one of the UK’s major knockout cup competitions for league clubs, offering opportunities for lower league teams like Wrexham to test themselves against higher-tier sides such as Preston North End. The second round is eagerly followed by fans keen to see emerging talent and unexpected results.

For more on the clubs and competition, visit the official Preston North End site, Wrexham FC’s online portal, and the EFL official page.