Wrexham are set to face Stoke City in the Championship this weekend as they look to continue their four-game unbeaten run in the division.
It would be expected that Phil Parkinson would not change the formula that is working incredibly well at present; however, several players have returned from injury and are available for selection once again.
Parkinson may alter the tactical shape of Wrexham for the Stoke City fixture due to the options he now has at his disposal, and as he thinks about how he can nullify the threat of Sorba Thomas, the most creative Championship player this campaign.
One thing for the Red Dragons manager to consider is the need to change the personnel for this game, with there being an obvious player he needs to be able to find a place in the team.
Phil Parkinson needs to get Nathan Broadhead in the team
Nathan Broadhead, the most expensive Wrexham player ever, has struggled to earn minutes this season due to his injury and late summer arrival at the club.
The Wales international has scored twice for the Red Dragons this campaign and for his nation in the most recent international break, when Craig Bellamy’s side welcomed Belgium to Cardiff.
It is clear to see he is in form, with Broadhead desperate to score for Wrexham, and it is important to have in-form players in your team.
Parkinson will have to find a way to get the £10 million striker into the team, particularly for the Stoke City match, but how does he do it?
Change the tactical shape of Wrexham
This option would not just include the change of tactical shape but also require the manager to drop a player to allow Broadhead to join the starting XI.
Parkinson may consider changing the formation to a 3-5-2 to allow Broadhead to play in a partnership up front against Stoke City.
This would allow the Red Dragons to keep their strong midfield shape that has worked well in the last four Championship games, one that has provided structure and goals.
This decision would see either Josh Windass or Kieffer Moore have to be dropped for the Stoke match to allow Broadhead to join the starting XI.
Wrexham can drop either Lewis O’Brien or Ben Sheaf
Should Parkinson wish to keep the same tactical shape that has served him and Wrexham well in the recent run of unbeaten second-tier matches.
To bring in Broadhead, you would have to play him in the attacking three and hope that he and Windass work hard in attack and defence; should the pair start together, it would be the first time they were on the pitch together.
The decision to start Broadhead in this position and tactic would result in the need to drop one of the central midfielders who have been performing impressively so far this campaign.
Unfortunately, this would require dropping Lewis O’Brien or Ben Sheaf due to the fine form of George Dobson and him becoming crucial to the team, with the likely player to be dropped being O’Brien due to the need to have Sheaf for his defensive qualities.
Parkinson could drop Kieffer Moore
The Red Dragons manager could simply make a like-for-like replacement at the top of the pitch, not for the style of player but just because they can operate in the same position.
Parkinson may be willing to attempt something different in attack by dropping Kieffer Moore for Broadhead to surprise the Potters with the ability to bring the experienced striker from the bench if they require his impact.
While Moore is the club’s top scorer and has been playing phenomenally, there is never any guarantee that a player should keep his place in the team, but it would be a strange decision to remove their in-form striker.
Wrexham remain the same, and Broadhead battles for a spot from the bench
The Welsh club have been unbeaten in their last four league matches, with fans hopeful this can continue after the international break.
Parkinson has shown that he is willing to make small alterations, as Callum Doyle and Lewis Brunt have been moved in and out of the squad across these fixtures, but the team has remained relatively the same.
This then should see the Wrexham team remain the same to continue this form, and if there is a time to change the personnel or the tactical shape, then this should come after a loss, and if that happens against Stoke City, then so be it.
However, at this time for the next Championship game, it may be best that Parkinson keeps the squad the same as they travel to Staffordshire.