Credit: dcfc.co.uk
WREXHAM AFC will look to secure a fourth consecutive Championship victory on Sunday as they travel to Pride Park to face Derby County despite missing several key first-team regulars through injury.
The Reds enter the fixture following a clinical 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day. That result moved the club into eighth position as the second half of the season begins.
Phil Parkinson has maintained a consistent tactical approach despite losing several senior figures during the festive period. Momentum remains high within the squad following three straight wins in the second tier.
Squad depth under the spotlight
Wrexham are currently navigating a significant injury crisis in the final third of the pitch. Leading scorer Kieffer Moore is unlikely to be available for the trip to the East Midlands due to a hamstring strain.
The Wales international is joined on the sidelines by Josh Windass, who is nursing a calf problem. According to Sports Mole, the Reds are soldiering on without a number of key attackers as they prepare for Sunday afternoon.
“Kieffer’s injury is as we thought, it’s only minor and we will assess him on a daily basis. Josh has had a scan. He’s been playing with a badly bruised calf in recent weeks and we wanted to ascertain there was no further damage, so he’ll be assessed before kick-off.”
Smith and Rathbone step up
With several regular starters absent, Sam Smith has taken on a more prominent role in the attacking line. Smith was on the scoresheet during the recent victory at Ewood Park to help maintain the club’s winning streak.
Ollie Rathbone also featured heavily in the victory over Blackburn. The midfielder provided a stunning volley for the opening goal and demonstrated the work rate required to execute the high-pressing style preferred by the management.
Midfield reinforcements provide boost
The tactical burden has been eased by the return of several senior midfielders to the matchday squad. Matty James has provided stability in the centre of the park since his recent return to full fitness.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe presence of Matty James allows Parkinson to rotate his options during a congested period of fixtures. This flexibility is vital as the club manages the absence of Issa Kabore who is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Looking ahead to Pride Park
Derby County will provide a stern test for the Reds on their travels this weekend. The Rams recently secured a 1-0 victory over third-placed Middlesbrough to end their own winless run at home.
The reverse fixture at The Racecourse earlier this season ended in a competitive draw. Wrexham will need to be clinical to breach a Derby defence that has proven difficult to break down under John Eustace.
A victory on Sunday would keep the north Wales side firmly in the hunt for a top-six finish. The squad has shown remarkable consistency and structure to maintain their league position despite the recent fitness concerns.
Wrexham: Okonkwo, Hyam, Scarr, Doyle, Longman, Dobson, James, Thomason, Rathbone, O’Brien, Smith.
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