Wrexham return to Championship action against Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday, 10 October, with Phil Parkinson facing some interesting selection decisions following a three-week break from league football.
The Reds signed off before the international break with a 2-1 victory over Southampton, giving Parkinson a strong argument for sticking with the side that delivered three points at the Cae Ras.
Danny Imray and Ollie Rathbone are available again following injury, while Issa Kaboré, Jacques Ekomié and Kieffer Moore have returned from international duty without fresh fitness concerns.
Patterson and familiar back three to continue
Anthony Patterson should retain his place between the posts, having started Wrexham’s victory over Southampton.
In front of him, Zak Vyner, Dominic Hyam and Callum Doyle look the strongest candidates to continue in Parkinson’s three-man defence.
The trio started together against the Saints and there is little reason to disrupt that combination, particularly with Max Cleworth still unavailable.
Joe Worrall provides an alternative, but an unchanged defensive unit looks the sensible option.
International duo backed to start at wing-back
Issa Kaboré and Jacques Ekomié are both predicted to retain their places despite spending time away representing Burkina Faso and Gabon respectively.
The pair returned to club training without injury concerns, giving Parkinson the opportunity to maintain his established wing-back partnership.
Danny Imray’s return from a hamstring problem provides competition, although a place on the bench could be the more sensible approach following his absence.
In central midfield, Ben Whiteman and Ben Sheaf get the nod after starting together against Southampton.
Ollie Rathbone is back in contention and offers another energetic option, while Matty James provides experience should Parkinson decide to make changes.
George Thomason remains sidelined, further strengthening the case for keeping faith with Whiteman and Sheaf.
Windass and O’Hare to support Moore
Josh Windass and Callum O’Hare are predicted to occupy the two attacking positions behind the centre-forward.
Both featured from the start against Southampton and offer the movement and creativity needed to support Wrexham’s attacking play.
The biggest question concerns Kieffer Moore, who was given additional recovery time following his involvement with Wales.
Parkinson could turn to Sam Smith if he wants fresh legs from the outset, but Moore’s physical presence and ability to lead the line make him our choice to start.
Nathan Broadhead’s continued absence also reduces the manager’s attacking options.
Wrexham predicted XI against Derby County
Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
- Defenders: Zak Vyner, Dominic Hyam, Callum Doyle
- Wing-backs: Issa Kaboré, Jacques Ekomié
- Central midfielders: Ben Whiteman, Ben Sheaf
- Attacking midfielders: Josh Windass, Callum O’Hare
- Striker: Kieffer Moore
Derby head into the contest sitting 22nd in the Championship, five points behind Wrexham in 14th.
Parkinson has additional options following the break, but the players who secured victory over Southampton have earned the opportunity to build on that performance.
An unchanged starting eleven is our prediction, with Imray, Rathbone and Smith among those capable of influencing proceedings from the bench.
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