Wrexham are back in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday night, as League One side Reading make the trip to the STōK Cae Ras.
There has been little time for Wrexham to bask in the glory of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Norwich City.
Phil Parkinson’s focus has immediately shifted to the Carabao Cup, as Wrexham host Reading.
Wrexham beat Hull City and Preston North End to reach this stage, and Parkinson will be keen to see off his former club and advance into round four.
- READ MORE: Phil Parkinson jokingly hopes Pep Guardiola doesn’t watch Wrexham star’s ‘off the scale’ display
Wrexham injury and team news
Wrexham are still dealing with a couple of long-term injuries.
Andy Cannon and Jay Rodriguez remain on the sidelines and will not play any part in Tuesday’s cup tie.
Ollie Rathbone is on his way back to fitness, and Parkinson will have to decide whether he is ready enough for a spot on the bench.
George Thomason made his Wrexham debut on Saturday and should be fit to feature.
Aaron James is set for surgery on a knee injury, while Harry Ashfield will miss out with an ankle problem, as Wrexham are left without two homegrown talents.
Wrexham predicted lineup v Reading
Selecting a goalkeeper may be a little tricky.
On the one hand, this game could offer Arthur Okonkwo another chance to build up his sharpness after a mixed start to the season.
On the other hand, Wrexham can’t afford to lose Okonkwo after Danny Ward’s injury, and Callum Burton will be pushing for a start.
We will go for Burton, especially having seen him play so well in limited action last season, but Parkinson may give thought to keeping Okonkwo between the sticks.
Conor Coady was benched against Norwich City, but he could return to the starting XI against Reading.
Dan Scarr will also hope for an opportunity, though neither he nor Coady is especially ideal on the right side of a back three.
Lewis Brunt impressed Josh Windass against Norwich and could slot in on the left side of Parkinson’s back three.
Ryan Barnett should come back into the side at right wing-back, while James McClean will surely feature on the left if Liberato Cacace remains unavailable.
Midfielders George Thomason and Matty James came off the bench against Norwich and may be in line to start against Reading.
Harry Ashfield’s injury means Elliot Lee could return to the side for a third Carabao Cup start in a row.
Sam Smith has yet to start a League One game this season, but will surely lead the line against Reading.
Parkinson has confirmed Nathan Broadhead will start, with Ryan Hardie – not in the squad against Norwich – potentially set to miss out.
Predicted Wrexham starting XI v Reading: Burton; Coady, Scarr, Brunt; Barnett, Lee, James, Thomason, McClean; Broadhead, Smith.