One Charlton player caused Wrexham trouble last time out, and his recent form could be a cause for concern for Phil Parkinson.
Wrexham host Charlton this weekend as Phil Parkinson’s side hope to edge closer to automatic Championship promotion.
Wrexham’s promotion chances look increasingly likely due to their two-point bumper over high-flying Wycombe Wanderers, although they will have to grind out a victory against a highly regimented and tough Charlton Athletic side.
Last time out between the two sides, Parkinson was left fuming over the Charlton’s penalty decision, one that gave the hosts the opportunity to level up the contest in the 97th minute, which they took advantage of.
Also in that contest, Charlton had one star that shone against Parkinson’s side, and the Wrexham boss must be wary of him as they welcome him to the Racecourse this time around.
Wrexham must be wary of ‘aggressive’ Charlton ace Macaulay Gillesphey ahead of weekend clash
In the reverse fixture against Charlton Athletic, the first goalscorer for the Addicks was Macaulay Gillesphey, who successfully lofted a looping header that evaded a helpless Arthur Okonkwo.
The Charlton defender has continued his fine form in defensive, and has previously been handed a fine assessment by Addicks boss Nathan Jones, via London News.
“He’s really aggressive out of possession and wins his headers,” when quizzed about Gillesphey’s abilities. “He doesn’t sit in just as a static defender, he steps in and gives us that aggression to go after teams.
“In possession he is as good as there is in the division. His range of passing is as good as I’ve ever worked with. He has chipped in with goals. Anything else you need there?
“He is in a really good place. He is so low-maintenance. I never have to tell him how well he is doing, I probably berate him more than I actually big him up – but I pick him every week, so he should know how I feel about him.”
“That is just trust and belief that he can be what he wants to be. He is in excellent form.”
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Phil Parkinson will need one man to be in top form against Macaulay Gillesphey
Due to the fact that Gillesphey has been on top form for Jones’ side this season, Parkinson will need to ensure that his attackers are on top form to ensure their threat isn’t quashed by the Charlton star.
It looks likely that Sam Smith will lead the line for Wrexham, and he will have to put in a much-improved showing to last time out where he was somewhat evaded in the attacking play against Blackpool.
As an alternative it wouldn’t be a surirpse to see Parkinson utilise a stronger and more physical threat to deal with the Charlton defence, and there is the likelihood that Ashley Fletcher could be the man to make the difference by fighting fire with fire.