Wrexham are just days away from kicking off their return to League One and Phil Parkinson is hopeful of adding a couple of additions to his squad.
Although Opta have predicted Wrexham to scrape survival in League One, there is a quiet confidence that the Reds can challenge nearer the top end of the division.
Phil Parkinson can be pleased with the transfer business he’s completed, having secured the signatures of six new players, including Arthur Okonkwo, Sebastian Revan, Lewis Brunt, George Dobson, Callum Burton and most recently, Dan Scarr.
The Wrexham boss also admitted that he’s working on further deals and is prioritising adding quality to his squad, although he accepted that some of the prices he’s been quoted for players have been ‘astronomical.’
The Welsh side are looking to add a new striker to their ranks ahead of their curtain-raiser against Wycombe Wanderers, with Will Lankshear, Kieron Bowie and Bailey Cadamarteri all linked in the past week.
It will be a race against time to secure one of those players before Saturday but if they do, here’s how the Reds could lineup against Wycombe.
Wrexham’s dream XI vs Wycombe Wanderers as Cadamarteri features
Throughout Parkinson’s tenure and in pre-season, Wrexham have predominantly used a 3-5-2 system.
Arthur Okonkwo started between the sticks last term and has since joined permanently. The 22-year-old should get the nod against Wycombe, although new signing Callum Burton will be breathing down his neck.
Picking a starting back three is difficult with the new additions made. Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor were the preferred trio that closed out the season and they started in the 1-0 win over Fleetwood.
That should be the case against the Chair Boys but don’t rule out Scarr, Brunt or another new signing – perhaps Millwall’s ‘leader’ Wes Harding – being thrown into the starting XI.
The Reds were linked with Harding earlier on in the window and could sign the Jamaican to offer cover at right centre-back and wing-back.
From right to left, Parkinson should start Ryan Barnett over Luke Bolton at wing back with George Evans, Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee in midfield while Revan should be deployed on the left after impressing in pre-season.
Such is the quality at the manager’s disposal, that leaves several fantastic players benched, including James McClean and Dobson.
With Mullin not fit enough to start on Saturday, successfully signing a striker – namely Cadamarteri on loan from Sheffield Wednesday – could see him thrown straight into the starting XI alongside Ollie Palmer.
Failing that, Parkinson could go with Jack Marriott instead, who has taken his chance to impress in pre-season.