Ollie Palmer already faces an uncertain future at Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson could define what the future holds for Ollie Palmer against Sutton United tonight.
The 32-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for the sixth time in eight matches in the 1-0 defeat against Bradford City on Saturday afternoon, despite Wrexham’s scoring troubles.
The Reds have lost their last three matches in League Two and have scored just once – a Sam Dalby strike in the 3-1 defeat in a loss to Salford City.
As such, many Wrexham supporters have questioned why Palmer hasn’t been given a chance.
After all, they haven’t lost a game this season in which their record signing has started (9-6-0), with all of their seven defeats in the league this term coming when he’s either taken his place on the bench or not been named in the squad.
That incredible statistic should point towards Palmer starting more matches but Parkinson has preferred to use Dalby as an option from the bench, while the introduction of Jack Marriott has pushed him further down the pecking order.
In the defeat to the Bantams, Paul Mullin started alongside Stephen Fletcher, although the former Cambridge United striker showed signs of fatigue and could benefit from a rest against Sutton tonight.
What role will Ollie Palmer play for Wrexham v Sutton United?
After scoring 15 goals in the National League last term and following that up with five so far, Palmer could play a prominent role against Sutton, as long as he’s selected in the squad.
Of course, after leaving him out of the last two defeats since introducing Marriott into the fold, his inclusion doesn’t look likely, which could prove to be costly once more.
Palmer’s incredible work off the ball and ability to press the opposition acts as a perfect foil for Mullin, who occupies dangerous areas in the box.
When their record signing isn’t playing, they miss the energy he brings at the top end of the pitch and the opportunities he fashions for his strike partner just through his sheer work rate and determination.
And while he isn’t blessed with speed to cause defence problems, his aerial ability and strength help make the ball stick in the final third.
Those are key attributes for a Wrexham side who like to pump balls into the box from set pieces and throw-ins.
After all, they have scored the second most goals from set-pieces in the division (15) and Palmer’s presence is a huge reason for that.
With Dalby hardly tearing up any trees from the bench and Mullin in need of a rest, now could be the perfect time to throw Palmer back into the squad for tonight’s match.
It could be a decision that ultimately defines his future at the Racecourse Ground.