Wrexham travel to Peterborough United for the fourth match of their League One campaign on Saturday.
It’s been a happy return to the third tier for Wrexham, who have taken seven points from a possible nine after beating Wycombe and Reading while drawing against Bolton.
Phil Parkinson’s men have carried their momentum across from League Two after sealing a second-place finish while most of their seven summer signings have acclimatized to life at the Racecourse Ground well.
The Reds have made themselves difficult to beat and in their last away match – 0-0 draw against Bolton – Arthur Okonkwo was given the Man of the Match award.
That highlighted just how resilient Wrexham were against a promotion-chasing side, and they’ll need to perform similarly on Saturday.
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The ‘weak link’ Wrexham can target against Peterborough United
Peterborough started their season with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Huddersfield but have since recorded victories over Shrewsbury and Exeter City while scoring six goals in the process.
The Posh, managed by Wrexham legend Darren Ferguson, are arguably one of the best attacking sides in League One and boast a plethora of quality attacking players.
With Kwame Poku tearing down the right, Abraham Odoh on the left and the lightning-quick Ricky Jade-Jones from the bench, Ferguson’s pace in attack can hurt Parkinson’s men.
That is one key strength Peterborough have but according to Posh expert John Verrall, they also have one or two weaknesses that Wrexham can look to exploit, including centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez.
Speaking on the Rob Ryan Red podcast previewing the clash, Verrall described the ball-playing ability of Fernandez as a weak link, saying: “If you’re looking for a weak link, and this might be a little bit of a harsh one, I would suggest that it’s potentially Manny Fernandez, just because of his ball playing ability.
“Defensively, he’s very good though. And he is a player that may well suit playing against Wrexham because you’re very physical, very direct. Manny’s six foot five.”
Wrexham’s strong point is pressing from the front through Jack Marriott and Ollie Palmer, and that duo could exploit Fernandez on Saturday.
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Peterborough vs Wrexham prediction
Peterborough are notoriously strong on home turf, as last term, the Posh only tasted defeat in five of their 23 games, meaning this will be a serious test of Wrexham’s credentials.
Parkinson’s men sent a statement to their league rivals with a goalless draw at Bolton, and they could go one better by securing a positive result against another promotion candidate this weekend.
The game is likely to follow a similar pattern at the Weston Homes Stadium, with Parkinson’s side soaking up pressure and looking to hit them on the counter while Peterborough dominate possession.
Wrexham were pegged back for most of the game at Bolton and a familiar narrative could play out here, but if they can keep the scores level till the second half, they will have Paul Mullin to bring off the bench.
It’s hard to call how the game will go, as the Reds will either get a huge dose of reality handed to them by receiving a pasting, or they’ll hold their own and come away with a positive result.
Hopefully, it is the latter and Wrexham continue their unbeaten start to the season.