Wrexham are looking to bounce back from their defeat against Doncaster Rovers by beating Colchester United this weekend.
If you told Wrexham supporters they’d be in their current position with five games left, they’d have snapped your hands off.
Despite operating at a budget way beyond any club in League Two, paying to the riches of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, supporters can still be proud of the job Phil Parkinson has done.
Aside from dropping points in a 1-0 loss to Doncaster, the former Bradford City boss has led Wrexham into third position on 73 points, two clear of MK Dons and four behind pacesetters Stockport County.
A real chance to cement their place in the automatic promotion places has emerged this weekend, as Wrexham travel to strugglers Colchester United.
The hosts are one point from safety and desperately battling against relegation to the National League for the first time since the 1991/92 campaign.
Ahead of this clash, it hasn’t been said whether left wing-back Jacob Mendy is fit to return while James Jones continues to fight for his fitness.
Here is our predicted lineup for the clash…
Wrexham predicted XI vs Colchester United
Goalkeeper is one of few positions in the Wrexham side that Parkinson doesn’t have to ponder.
Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been a mainstay in the starting XI and barring any late fitness concerns or injury, he will keep his spot between the sticks.
Wrexham’s settled back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Will Boyle could be broken up with Tom O’Connor slotting in defence after playing the last three matches in midfield.
O’Connor could replace Boyle, who wasn’t at the races against Doncaster on Tuesday night.
Luke Bolton was substituted at half-time in the defeat to Rovers, with Ryan Barnett coming on as a right wing-back.
Parkinson later explained that he wanted Barnett’s quality in the final third, impressing in the second half despite not finding a breakthrough.
James McClean started at left wing-back for the second game running, however, the Irishman could slot into midfield if Jacob Mendy is fit to play.
With O’Connor slotting into defence, Parkinson must start “real talent” George Evans at the base of his midfield alongside Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee.
Despite being shortlisted for the Player of the Season award in League Two, Lee’s goalscoring form has taken a turn for the worse, so don’t be surprised if he’s rested against Colchester.
Parkinson’s strike force is guaranteed to have Paul Mullin heading it with the goal-machine one away from reaching the 100-goal milestone for Wrexham, while Ollie Palmer could be dropped following his disappointing display on Tuesday, making way for the towering Scotsman Steven Fletcher.