Wrexham are finally back in League One action with Phil Parkinson taking his side on the road to face rivals Shrewsbury Town.
Wrexham players have been given something of a break over the last 12 days.
The 1-0 win over Peterborough United now feels a very long time ago with Wrexham’s last game coming back on January 4.
Wrexham’s trip to Reading had already been postponed before the weather seized Wrexham’s clash with Port Vale.
That handed Wrexham a well-earned break following the busy festive period with Phil Parkinson relishing the chance to recharge the batteries.
Wrexham are back tonight though and fans are hoping for a big performance against rivals Shrewsbury Town.
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Wrexham confirmed XI v Shrewsbury Town
Wrexham go with Arthur Okonkwo in goal with the stopper now back from injury and clear of any problems.
Parkinson goes with a back three as usual with Max Cleworth almost undroppable on the right side of defence.
Eoghan O’Connell keeps his place in the heart of the back three with Tom O’Connor starting on the left side.
Lewis Brunt still isn’t back from injury, so O’Connor keeps his place in the team.
Ryan Barnett is fit to face his former club at right wing back with captain James McClean at left wing back.
Andy Cannon comes into the midfield three, joining Matty James and Ollie Rathbone in the engine room.
Steven Fletcher is rewarded for his recent goal heroics with a start and will be supported by Elliot Lee in the final third.
Paul Mullin is therefore only on the bench, joining Mark Howard, Dan Scarr, Jacob Mendy, George Dobson, Modou Faal and Jack Marriott.
Instant reaction to Wrexham starting XI
The Wrexham squad have enjoyed a well-earned break over the last 12 days but it’s now time to go again.
Okonkwo’s recent comeback is such a huge boost and seeing him in the lineup again will give Wrexham fans real confidence.
Eoghan O’Connell’s last away outing was a struggle as he wasn’t at his best against Barnsley.
Parkinson has resisted temptation to bring in Dan Scarr though and that is a major show of faith in O’Connell.
Brunt’s continued absence is a blow, but having a natural left-footer in O’Connor at least brings some balance to the Wrexham defence.
Summer signing Dobson has almost become a mainstay of the starting XI, so seeing him not involved is something of a blow.
James has been brilliant since his arrival, Rathbone is in brilliant form and Cannon has never let Parkinson down, so Wrexham fans should still have confidence in this midfield trio.
The big takeaway here is that Parkinson has gone back to a 3-5-1-1 system with Lee supporting a striker.
Wrexham had some joy with that setup earlier this season and Parkinson will be looking for Lee to make a big impact.
There is plenty of firepower on the bench; Mullin would no doubt love a derby goal, Faal offers a huge presence as a target man and Marriott’s return from injury is an enormous boost.
Wrexham have the quality both in the XI and on the bench here, with Parkinson hoping his changes can bring three points.