After recording a point on the board against MK Dons in midweek, Wrexham are looking to get back to winning ways as they travel to play-off chasers Gillingham.
Phil Parkinson’s side was much changed for the trip to Stadium MK as he rested some of his key players, including Paul Mullin, Steven Fletcher and Elliot Lee, who will all be vying for a starting spot this weekend.
One player who will certainly miss out against the Gills is Will Boyle. The 28-year-old was shown his second red card of the season against the Dons and will therefore miss the next three matches.
That could open up the door for defensive titan Ben Tozer, who hasn’t played since the Reds lost 1-0 against Bradford City.
Parkinson does have a few blows to contend with, though, as he discovered the injuries to midfielders James Jones and George Evans were ‘quite serious’, raising fears that they may now miss the run-in.
Fortunately, fellow midfielder Jordan Davies did return to the bench on Tuesday night whilst Thomas O’Connor will hopefully be back in action soon to offer a potential holding option in the engine room.
With a strong squad still to pick from, here’s our predicted lineup for the match…
Wrexham predicted XI v Gillingham
Arthur Okonkwo was involved in some controversy in midweek as he appeared to fumble Joe Tomlinson’s effort over the line, but that didn’t stop his manager from hailing him as ‘immense’, with the goalkeeper continuing to impress on loan from Arsenal.
The only change that Parkinson could make to his back three is an enforced one as the ‘superb’ Ben Tozer replaces Boyle while Eoghan O’Connell and Max Cleworth flank the veteran centre-back.
An intriguing battle continues to play out in the right wing-back role. Luke Bolton won the nod against MK Dons, but Ryan Barnett has arguably been more impressive and should start against Gillingham.
After Jacob Mendy struggled on his return to the side, James McClean – who scored from midfield against the Dons – could shuffle back to his left-wing-back role.
As for the midfield trio, captain Luke Young’s performance was lauded as “immense” on his 250th appearance for the club, so he should make his second consecutive start alongside workhorse Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee.
Wrexham’s top scorer, Lee, was rested last time out and will provide an incredible goal threat.
Sam Dalby and Jack Marriott lead the line in midweek, however, Dalby was particularly poor. He should be replaced by Steven Fletcher with Marriott making way for Paul Mullin.
That pair were instrumental against Notts County, and will be aiming to fire the Reds to victory in Kent.