Wrexham are set to return to action after the international break this weekend when they face Stoke City in the Championship.
The Red Dragons are currently on an unbeaten run of four games in the second tier, their last a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, with the club presumably frustrated by when the international break occurred.
However, it may have been perfect timing for Phil Parkinson’s squad, as he had kept the team consistent across the last three weeks, giving them some well-deserved time off ahead of this major fixture with the Potters.
Stoke will be without Bae Jun-ho due to injury, the South Korean suffering this while on international duty with his nation. While this may be a loss for Mark Robins, he still has another major threat for the Welsh club to contend with this weekend.
Wrexham are set to face Sorba Thomas this weekend, the most creative player in the Championship
Stoke City have made a fine start to the Championship campaign, as they currently occupy fifth in the division coming into this fixture; however, their momentum has been somewhat stifled, as they have drawn their last three matches.
They have built their success on their defensive solidity, having only conceded six goals across their opening nine fixtures; however, they have impressed in attack too.
The most significant player they have had in attack is one who may be well known by Wrexham fans due to his international allegiance, as it is Welsh international Sorba Thomas.
He has been the most creative player across the whole Championship this campaign, as he made 25 chances this season, with 19 of those coming from open play, demonstrating the danger he poses to Wrexham this weekend, according to Opta.
It must also be noted that he has assisted four of Stoke’s 11 goals this season in the second tier, meaning he will be the player that Parkinson needs to keep quiet to get the best result possible this weekend.
Issa Kabore is key to Wrexham this weekend
The Manchester City loanee has been arguably one of Wrexham’s best players this season, having had a significant impact on the team since his debut against Norwich City.
Issa Kabore has been a constant threat for the Red Dragons in attack, having provided three assists to this point in the Championship for them.
The Burkina Faso international, Kabore, is one step closer to his World Cup dream; however, he will be required to be fully dialled in for the challenge Sorba Thomas will provide this weekend.
Thomas has more often than not operated from the left side of the Stoke attack, meaning that Kabore will be required to nullify the Wales international to limit the Potters’ creativity.
Max Cleworth will also be important in this role, as he supports Kabore in his defensive duties; however, if Kabore is able to mark Thomas out of the fixture, then Wrexham have a greater chance of earning all three points.