Wrexham will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend when they take on Bristol Rovers, and we have a good idea who Phil Parkinson will put in his starting XI for the game.
Last time out, Wrexham could only manage a 2-2 draw against League One strugglers, Cambridge United, in what Paul Mullin described as a frustrating result.
Next up is a clash with another struggling team, but Bristol Rovers recently sacked their manager, and Phil Parkinson’s side will have to be wary of any new manager bounce for interim boss Lee Cattermole.
The Wrexham manager has some big decisions to make with his squad ahead of the game, so here’s what we know ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
- READ MORE: Bristol Rovers suffer blow ahead of Wrexham clash as manager target nears Championship move
Wrexham team and injury news ahead of Bristol Rovers clash
The good news for Wrexham is that midfielder George Evans is on his way back after a long spell on the sidelines. Evans played 65 minutes for the reserves this week, but the bad news is, he probably won’t be quite ready for the weekend.
Wrexham are also likely to be without Arthur Okonkwo until the end of the year due to a wrist fracture, but the goalkeeper is set to see a specialist this week.
Meanwhile, striker Jack Marriott is thought to be “ahead of schedule” according to Parkinson, but his recovery from a broken leg may still keep him out until February 2025.
James Jones has an ongoing problem, and Callum Burton faces a worrying absence. The return dates for the pair are currently unknown at this stage, but we could be waiting a while for them.
But, we could well see a return for Luke Bolton and Will Boyle. The defenders both suffered similar calf issues back in November, and should be back in training this week.
Wrexham predicted XI vs Bristol Rovers as Steven Fletcher gets the nod
Clearly, something wasn’t quite right for Wrexham at the weekend, and changes will need to be made for the next game.
One thing that has to happen is for Elliot Lee to drop back into midfield. The influential star has been utilised as a striker of late, but fans are not happy with Lee’s role change.
Indeed, when Parkinson went with two up top against Cambridge and dropped Lee deeper, everything seemed to click, and we would imagine that’s how the Wrexham team will line-up on Saturday.
With that in mind, Parkinson just has to decide who to play out of Ollie Palmer, Steven Fletcher, and Paul Mullin. Given his impact at the weekend, we envisage Fletcher will get the nod alongside Mullin, who will be looking to get back to scoring ways.
George Dobson was hooked off during the draw against Cambridge and we suspect he will make way from the start this time out.
Wrexham predicted lineup:
Mark Howard (GK)
Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell, Lewis Brunt
Ryan Barnett, Matty James, Elliot Lee, Ollie Rathbone, James McClean
Paul Mullin, Steven Fletcher