Phil Parkinson has a huge decision to make ahead of Wrexham’s clash against Sutton United tonight after watching his side score once in their last three matches in League Two.
Wrexham have hit the proverbial sticky patch in League Two after losing three consecutive matches to slip down to fifth in the table.
Although given how congested it is near the top, Phil Parkinson’s side are still just two points behind the automatic promotion places with two games in hand over some of their rivals.
In the 1-0 defeat against Bradford City on Saturday, the Reds registered 17 shots on goal, five of which were on target, and had 18 free kicks, but failed to produce any telling quality with their final ball.
For a side who have scored 15 goals from a set piece this term – the second most in League Two – to not score from the amount of free kicks they had was bitterly disappointing.
One player who would have disappointed Parkinson with his performance was Paul Mullin. The 29-year-old has shown signs of tiredness in recent matches and while he can be critical about the lack of service, he was largely ineffective against the Bantams.
Mullin only made 38 touches in the entire match, which was fewer than goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s total. He also registered just one shot on goal, won zero aerial duels and lost possession a whopping 12 times.
The former Cambridge United striker is suffering from fatigue and having started in 20 of their last 22 matches in the fourth tier, he could benefit from being rested for Jack Marriott tonight.
Phil Parkinson should unleash Jack Marriott v Sutton United
Parkinson is blessed with so many quality striking options that he can afford to rest one of his key players and draft another in from the bench.
Marriott is one of those who is waiting patiently for a start after arriving from Fleetwood Town on deadline day.
The 29-year-old has featured from the bench in their previous two matches, but after watching his side fall to defeat and Mullin’s performance levels drop, the Wrexham boss should unleash him against Sutton.
Marriott is known for his ability to burst in behind opposition defences and chase down lost causes, which is something Stephen Fletcher and Mullin haven’t done enough of in recent weeks.
The former Derby County also brings a lethal edge in front of goal and experience of operating at a much higher level.
During his time with the Rams, manager Frank Lampard described one of his finishes in a win over Sheffield United as “top class” and it’s that level of quality that he can bring to a goal-shy Wrexham side.
Parkinson’s men have also been criticised for their lack of chance creation. While that is alarming, he wouldn’t have to worry about Marriott in that regard as he can fashion an opportunity from nothing.
Indeed, it seems a no-brainer to finally unleash a striker who has scored 110 goals across his career against Sutton tonight.