Wrexham return to action against Crawley Town on Saturday and Phil Parkinson has already discussed making changes.
Wrexham were beaten 3-2 by Stevenage on Tuesday evening – a shocking defeat for a number of reasons.
Firstly, ignoring everything else, a third-place team with top-two aspirations should not be losing to a side that kicked off the day 15th in League One.
There is then the matter of the two club’s respective home and away records. Wrexham were unbeaten at the Racecourse Ground since March 16th, 2024, while Stevenage had scored just four away league goals in 2024/25 prior to the midweek fixture.
After watching his side, especially in the first half, produce arguably their worst display of the campaign, Parkinson hinted at changes for Wrexham’s meeting with Crawley Town on Saturday.
With this in mind, we have taken a look at the five players who are most likely to be axed by Phil Parkinson and who will replace them.
- READ MORE: Forget Arthur Okonkwo, 15-touch Wrexham player who won just one duel was woeful vs Stevenage
Ollie Palmer for Steven Fletcher
He has been a loyal servant to the club but three goals in 29 league outings this season just isn’t good enough.
Ollie Palmer has been given so many chances to prove himself but after being hooked at half-time after failing to have a single shot, he will surely be dropped this weekend.
Steven Fletcher is one of the club’s top scorers this season and despite struggling to complete 90 minutes, he has to start against Crawley.
Elliot Lee for Jack Marriott
Elliot Lee got the assist for Max Cleworth’s goal against Stevenage but that shouldn’t take away from the fact he’s a terrible striker.
Parkinson has received fan backlash for starting Lee and Palmer up front and if Tuesday’s loss doesn’t force him into a change, nothing will.
Jack Marriott looked bright off the bench and should now be given his first start since returning from injury.
- READ MORE: Wrexham fans send clear message to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following Stevenage loss
Matty James for Andy Cannon
Matty James hasn’t done an awful lot wrong since joining in October but he was absolutely dire on January 28th.
He failed to provide any cover for his backline and if George Dobson is going to start, which he should after impressing against Stevenage, James has to be dropped as the pair clearly don’t work well together.
Andy Cannon is the obvious replacement, with him and Dobson linking up nicley in the opening few months of 2024/25 when Wrexham were winning a lot and keeping clean sheets.
Dan Scarr and Thomas O’Connor for Lewis Brunt and Eoghan O’Connell
The final two changes will surely come in defence following Wrexham shipping three goals in one match for the first time since their loss to Birmingham City earlier in the season.
Lewis Brunt is back from injury and must come back in on the right of the back three for Thomas O’Connor.
And while Eoghan O’Connell lost his place because of poor form, Dan Scarr has really struggled in his absence.
The former Plymouth Argyle man may just need a run of games under his belt, but the promotion race means Parkinson can’t afford to give him that right now.