Phil Parkinson is expected to make a host of changes for the EFL Cup tie against Preston North End, with the Wrexham boss set for a huge decision on Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee.
Wrexham have endured a tricky start to their 2025/26 season, as Phil Parkinson’s side still await their first Championship win of the campaign.
Last time out, Wrexham drew against Sheffield Wednesday, despite the Red Dragons holding a 2-0 lead at the break after Kieffer Moore bagged a brace.
On a more positive note, Wrexham did win in the EFL Cup first round against Hull City, with Ollie Palmer saving the day with two late goals before the Red Dragons won on penalties.
The second round now awaits the Red Dragons, who will travel to Preston North End for their contest. Just like the previous round in the EFL Cup, changes are expected, including a return to the side for one Wrexham favourite.
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Wrexham injury news ahead of Preston North End clash
Wrexham have a few injured players right now, including a number of summer signings. Fortunately, no new injuries have crept up following the game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Josh Windass picked up a muscle injury against West Brom in the Championship and has since been ruled out for up to eight weeks, making him unavailable for the EFL Cup contest.
Liberato Cacace has also been absent for Wrexham with a minor knock, however his and George Thomason’s return to the side is near. An introduction in the EFL Cup could be likely, but it would make more sense for Phil Parkinson to introduce them from the bench.
Ollie Rathbone is still injured and will continue his lengthy absence, whilst Jay Rodriguez and Andy Cannon are also unavailable to Parkinson.
How Wrexham could line up against Preston North End
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson will no doubt chop-and-change his options in order to keep fresh legs ahead of the Red Dragons’ Championship trip to Millwall.
As a result, we are likely to see Arthur Okonkwo return in-between the sticks, with a back three of Aaron James, Eoghan O’Connell, and Dan Scarr, just like they set up against Hull City in the first round.
Ryan Longman started the first round tie against Hull City, but appears to be an integral part of the first team now after his performance against Sheffield Wednesday. As a result Ryan Barnett is likely to start, while James McClean retains his place in the side.
Packing out the midfield could be George Evans, Harry Ashfield, and Elliot Lee. Wrexham fans will be keen to see Lee once again in the famous Wrexham red.
Starting up top could see the duo of Nathan Broadhead and Ryan Hardie. Ollie Palmer will be in contention for a start, but Parkinson may turn to both Hardie and Broadhead as they still await their first goal for Wrexham, and the Red Dragons boss will be keen for either of them to get off the mark.
Arthur Okonkwo
Aaron James
Eoghan O’Connell
Dan Scarr
Ryan Barnett
James McClean
George Evans
Harry Ashfield
Elliot Lee
Nathan Broadhead
Ryan Hardie