Wrexham are turning their attentions back to the League One promotion race following a spell on the training ground focusing on getting players back to full fitness.
Phil Parkinson’s men travel to rivals Shrewsbury Town, who sit just across the border, and will be keen to pick up the three points to move into the League One automatic promotion spots and give fans local bragging rights.
Simon Mather will officiate the game and Wrexham will need to keep their emotions in check as the referee has already brandished a red card to promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers in recent weeks.
Ahead of the game, Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas has been giving his views on rivalries involving the Red Dragons and his answer may be of some shock to supporters.
Mickey Thomas reveals Chester as Wrexham’s main rivals
Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion Wrexham AFC fan podcast, former player Mickey Thomas has been speaking about the club’s rivalries amid the build-up to the cross-border clash with Shrewsbury Town.
However, when picking his top three rivalries, Thomas shocked fans with no mention of The Shrews, he stated: “I’d probably go with Chester, second team would be Chester reserves and the third team with anyone that played over the years for Chester.”
When explaining his decision, Thomas alluded to the build-up and the atmosphere of the clashes against Chester City.
“I knew the rivalry was that bad because I played in so many of the derbies against them and the atmosphere and the build-up to it, it was always the biggest game.”
Wrexham haven’t faced Chester since March 2018, when they ran out 2-0 winners in the National League clash. The clubs have gone on completely opposite trajectories since then with Chester now in the National League North.
Wrexham hoping to continue good run of form against Shrewsbury Town
Wrexham have been in excellent form recently which resulted in Phil Parkinson’s nomination for Manager of the Month for December.
Wrexham have also enjoyed recent success over their rivals Shrewsbury having beaten them 1-0 in last season’s FA Cup and dismantling the Blues earlier this season in a 3-0 rout at the Racecourse Ground.
A win would heap pressure on promotion rivals Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers. Jack Marriott has been back in training and could be in contention to feature.
Steven Fletcher could also start the game having scored another late winner last time out against Peterborough. Whoever leads the line for Wrexham, they will be hoping that three points are brought back across the border amid the heated promotion race.