Wrexham’s hectic promotion run in is set to continue with the visit of Burton Albion to the Racecourse Ground.
Phil Parkinson has named an unchanged starting eleven in his last four League One games and clearly feels that continuity in selection is the way forward in the run in.
Wrexham’s promotion chances increased after their draw with Cambridge according to Opta’s supercomputer but the Red Dragons were on the back foot for much of the encounter.
Parkinson praised Ryan Longman and Sam Smith for their roles in the equaliser and George Dobson impressed in midfield but it was a tired performance from Wrexham and they needed their experienced players to pull them to a result.
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Brendan Rogers gave verdict on Matty James at Leicester
Speaking at his post-match press conference after Leicester City’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in February 2020, former Premier League boss Brendan Rogers praised the qualities of Matty James.
James has been exceptional for Wrexham in recent weeks and the comments made by Rogers back in 2020 are ringing true with the midfielder’s performances.
Rogers stated: “He’s worked so hard. I’d seen him before, before he was injured, and I know he’s a terrific player who understands how we play and how we work.
“He’s sustained his fitness over a period of time now, and he’s still got a way to go, but he’s deserving of his opportunity to come in.
“I felt with the last 10 minutes of the game, bringing him in, he might be able to make that pass, allow us to retain the ball, to get up the pitch and make the pass.”
Matty James match statistics v Cambridge
James wanted to ‘prove people wrong’ when he arrived at the Racecourse Ground on a free transfer and despite struggling with injuries in his career, at 33 he is now playing some of his best football.
Another excellent display at Cambridge backed up weeks of consistency in the middle of the park and Parkinson knows his experience and quality will play a huge factor in getting his side over the line.
| Cambridge v Wrexham match statistic | Matty James |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass completion | 88% |
| Long ball accuracy | 3/4 |
| Ground duels won | 3/4 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Tackles | 3 |
His role of sitting in front of the back four has played a huge part in Wrexham’s defensive success, they currently have the second best defence in the league.
James uses his intelligence to know where second balls are dropping and interceptions need to be made and then has the quality to use the ball well in possession.