Phil Parkinson faces a major selection dilemma as to who to start among Issa Kabore and Ryan Longman against Norwich.
Ahead of the Norwich game, Wrexham welcome back 4 injury returnees in Max Cleworth, Issa Kabore, Matty James and Kieffer Moore. In an already in-form side, this boost elevates Wrexham’s squad to full strength as they hope to continue on their winning ways.
Ever since the Boxing Day turnaround, Wrexham’s hallmark trait for winning has been scoring goals for fun. Still, the aspect that has gone under the radar is the club’s vastly improved defence structure.
A look at Transfermarkt’s form table complements how Wrexham have emerged as one of the most compact defences. Having just conceded 2 goals in their last 3 games, Parky’s backline has made a quantum leap from when it stood averaging 2+ goals/game in between.
Unequivocally, Wrexham are among the most in-form Championship defences currently. While that ought to continue for long, boss Parkinson faces a major backline dilemma against Norwich.
Who should start on RWB: Issa Kabore or Ryan Longman?
The issue boils down to choosing between Kabore’s track record and Longman’s game rhythm.
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While both have been sensational for Wrexham’s Championship campaign in their respective phases, Parkinson faces a huge selection call as Kabore returns at the Racecourse for club action.
Wrexham’s previous Norwich win vouches for Issa Kabore
When Wrexham and Norwich last met this season, the Championship scenario stood wildly opposite of what it currently does. With Wrexham entering the game near the relegation zone(ranked 21st) and Norwich at 10th, the Dragons pulled off a heroic comeback many didn’t see coming.
Down 1-0 at halftime, Wrexham came from behind to go all the way up to a 3-1 scoreline within a quarter of an hour. And it all started with star wing-back Issa Kabore igniting the comeback with consecutive assists.
Firstly, combining with Josh Windass, Kabore placed an exquisite cross into advanced attacking space where Windass converted it to equalise. Within minutes of this delivery, the 24-year-old played another similar cross to Longman, who made Wrexham go 2-1 up with a striker’s finish.
The final punch was hammered by Josh Windass again as the attacker scored a blitz curler for the 3-1, completing his brace. Deservedly, Windass bagged the MOTM, but his was a close call with Kabore as the full-back was integral to the win.
Easily, Norwich are among Kabore’s favourite opponents as he inaugurated his season assists tally here. With the Canaries still accounting for 2/3rd of his goal contributions, Kabore poses a strong starting case here despite his recent injury record.
What are Phil Parkinson’s available choices?
The only thing holding back Kabore’s sure-shot start is his lack of game rhythm. Having not hit the pitch for Wrexham in a long time, it remains to be seen if Parky throws him immediately here on the back of a few training sessions.
The other option is to play it safe and steady. With Ryan Longman emerging as a mainstay in the starting XI, Wrexham can’t go wrong with choosing him for a matchday with 7 days of rest in between.
What this additionally does is streamline Kabore’s gradual inclusion in the playing dynamics as Parky planned for big Kieff. Initially speculated to return for the FA Cup game, Parkinson played it cautiously with Moore, and it shouldn’t surprise if the gaffer repeats the trick with Kabore now.
Ultimately, the final call remains in Parkinson’s authority, and given his previous team sheet surprises, anything is possible. Let’s see how the manager plays around Issa Kabore’s minutes, and if Ryan Longman starts in his usual RWB role again.
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