After almost two weeks without a game, Wrexham are finally back in action against Shrewsbury on Thursday night and we’ve got all the latest team news and a predicted XI for the fixture.
Wrexham have had their own mini break of late, with their EFL Trophy tie versus Port Vale postponed and the Red Dragons failing to qualify for the FA Cup third round.
Phil Parkinson and his squad have had plenty of time to rest and prepare for the upcoming League One clash with the Shrews, then. Parkinson has even been scouting his opponents recently, to ensure victory for his team.
As we look ahead to the game, we’ve assessed the Wrexham injury list, consulted the form book, and determined who will get the nod to start against Shrewsbury on Thursday night.
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Wrexham team and injury news ahead of Shrewsbury clash
Last time out against Peterborough, Wrexham were without Lewis Brunt, Elliot Lee, and Ryan Barnett. After the extended break, all three do have a chance of being involved in some capacity this week, but we wouldn’t count on it.
Brunt has a minor calf problem picked up at the end of last year, but could be saved for next week rather than rushing him back.
Lee has been making progress of late but is also unlikely to be pushed back into the team so soon, with fears of a relapse yet again.
Meanwhile, Barnett was described as having a “minor injury” and a touch of fatigue, and he is the most likely to be reintroduced if anyone gets the nod.
The good news is, Jack Marriott has been back in training this week, and is getting closer to a full return to fitness in the near future.
Parkinson hinted both George Evans and Jamie Jones were ready to face Port Vale before the postponement, so the midfield duo are in contention for this week’s game.
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Wrexham predicted lineup vs Shrewsbury as Steven Fletcher finally starts
Wrexham have to register a convincing win against struggling Shrewsbury to keep up the pressure at the top of the League One table, especially considering their next game after this is the six-pointer versus Birmingham.
Therefore, we expect a fairly strong lineup from Parkinson, with only those who are recovering from injury set to miss out this week.
Wrexham captain, James McClean, should return in the left wing-back role after being dropped from the starting lineup for the Peterborough game. Sebastian Revan is likely to get the nod on the other side in the absence of Ryan Barnett.
Thomas O’Connor will once again step in for Lewis Brunt at the back, while Andy Cannon could keep George Dobson out of the starting lineup once more, teaming up with Matty James and Ollie Rathbone in the middle.
Up top, Parkinson has a tough call to make on Steven Fletcher, who has been scoring winning goals from the bench of late. We believe the time has come to start the veteran striker in attack with Paul Mullin as opposed to Ollie Palmer, and hope he can keep up his talismanic form from the get-go.