Wrexham have a big game against Shrewsbury Town to focus on this weekend but some may already be looking at the clash with Birmingham City.
Four games, three wins, eight goals scored and only two conceded; this has been a superb start to the season for Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson’s men have settled into League One life very quickly and can be very proud of these early-season results.
Last weekend’s 2-0 win at Peterborough United was arguably the most eye-catching result so far.
Claiming home wins is one thing but going away to a perennial playoff chasing League One side is a different matter.
Wrexham got the job done admirably and will now head into this weekend’s ‘exciting’ derby against Shrewsbury Town looking for a third straight league win.
Birmingham City boss looking ahead as Wrexham loom
Wrexham are one of just a handful of League One teams actually playing this weekend.
The international break means a number of League One sides have had their games postponed with players heading away to play for their countries.
That certainly applies to Birmingham City, who have spent an astronomical amount of money over the summer.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Alfons Sampsted and Willum Thor Willumsson are all unavailable this weekend, so Birmingham won’t play again until the 16th of September.
That game comes against Wrexham in a keenly-anticipated clash between two teams whose ambition has made plenty of headlines – and enemies – in the League One scene.
Parkinson was in attendance to watch Birmingham lose to Walsall on penalties in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy clash as he prepares Wrexham for battle.
Blues boss Chris Davies now faces a huge break before facing Wrexham, whereas Parkinson and co will hope to build momentum with a win over Shrewsbury Town.
Davies has now told BBC Sport that he wants his players to ‘reset mentally and physically’ ahead of facing Wrexham in 11 days.
Davies feels that Birmingham have had a ‘positive start’ this season but need to use this time off to recharge for some big games ahead.
“We’ve had a positive start to the season from our point of view,” said Davies. “What we need to do now is make sure we reset mentally and physically, ready for a big push throughout September and October,” he added.
Birmingham spend compared to Wrexham
There is a perception that Birmingham and Wrexham are both trying to ‘buy’ promotion by splashing the cash in the transfer market.
Wrexham have been able to invest more than most League One clubs and certainly paying well in terms of wages, nobody of a Wrexham persuasion is denying that.
Yet if you look at the total spend of the two sides, Wrexham don’t even come close to Birmingham.
We looked at reports earlier this week which suggested that Birmingham had spent around £30million on new signings, obliterating League One record.
The Birmingham Mail claim that some valuations have been inflated but Birmingham have certainly still spent in excess of £20million.
Wrexham’s total spend is thought to be just shy of £2million, a mere fraction of Jay Stansfield’s fee alone, never mind the other signings Birmingham have made.
This will be a fascinating battle but Wrexham’s full focus will be on Shrewsbury right now as Birmingham sit back and wait.