Phil Parkinson must use pre-season to trial out a new system at Wrexham as he prepares his side for the challenge of League One.
Wrexham are currently on their ‘Wrex Coast’ tour of the United States in preparation for their return to League One.
They kickstarted their tour with an impressive 1-1 draw against Premier League outfit Bournemouth, while in their next match – kicking off on Thursday (3 am UK time) – the Reds will be seeking revenge against Chelsea.
Last year, the Reds were drubbed 5-0 by the Blues, in what was an important exercise as they embarked on a season in League Two.
Many will expect Wrexham to lose once more to Enzo Maresca’s side however, that shouldn’t stop Phil Parkinson from testing out a new formation, whether that’s in this match or elsewhere in pre-season.
Wrexham’s success with the 5-3-2 system
Since Parkinson arrived at the Racecourse Ground in the summer of 2021, he’s rarely altered his system from the successful 5-3-2.
Indeed, the experienced manager has had no reason to change formation given the unparalleled success he’s brought to Wales following back-to-back promotions.
Parkinson uses a back three of players who are comfortable on the ball, a robust midfield trio with wing-backs that bomb on and two strikers.
For the most part, supporters can’t have complaints about the style of play as it’s done enough to drag Wrexham to successive promotions and brought a near-flawless home record.
However, it must be acknowledged that this system isn’t going to work every week in League One, especially when trying to break down a tough opposition defence, so Parkinson must try out a new formation in pre-season to ready himself for League One.
The system Parkinson must trial in Wrexham’s pre-season
Parkinson has rarely switched to a four-at-the-back formation during his three years at the club.
He’s stuck to his guns when it comes to using a three-man defence and wing-backs, while many think he doesn’t have the correct personnel to change it, except he does.
Although there is a distinct lack of wingers in the squad, there are players who are well suited to wide roles on either flank and that could see him switch to either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.
For instance, James McClean arrived at Wrexham having played as a left winger for most of his career, so instead of being used as a left wing-back, he could return to a role he’s familiar with.
Likewise, similar can be said for Luke Bolton on the right, who was utilised as a right winger during his time at Salford City, producing five assists in 20 appearances last term before joining the Reds.
Bolton and McClean could occupy positions on both flanks while using a 4-2-3-1 system could see Elliot Lee deployed behind Paul Mullin in an attacking midfield role, with two of George Dobson, Andy Cannon, George Evans, James Jones and Jordan Davies as a double pivot.
As for the centre-back pairing, Wrexham aren’t used to playing a four-man defence but can line up with Ryan Barnett at right-back, two of Eoghan O’Connell, Max Cleworth, Will Boyle, Lewis Brunt and Tom O’Connor pairing in the middle with either Jacob Mendy or Sebastian Revan at left-back.
Most teams in League One will anticipate Wrexham using their usual 5-3-2 formation but Parkinson can throw the cat amongst the pigeons by having a different system ready, just in case a change is needed.