Wrexham predicted lineup vs Portsmouth for tonight’s home game at the Racecourse. Will Max Cleworth get dropped to the bench?
The 5-3 Ipswich Town win on Saturday night was a Championship game of the season favourite from Wrexham’s point of view. Almost everything went well from the Reds point of view, except for 2 factors. Firstly, Max Cleworth’s repeated horror shows at centre-back which left many Wrexham fans irritated despite the win.
Secondly, Ben Sheaf’s two month long injury that sees him omitted from Phil Parkinson’s plans for the ongoing Championship season. Plus, who can forget that Wrexham have no time to rest from now until March due to a congested schedule.
Keeping these issues in mind, it’s impossible for Wrexham to name the same starting lineup vs Portsmouth as they did in the Ipswich Town thrashing. The only way forward is to recall some players who have longed for minutes and a consistent role in this campaign.
That said, below is the Wrexham predicted lineup Parkinson can pick vs Portsmouth to secure a second straight league win on home turf.
Wrexham predicted lineup vs Portsmouth
GK: Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo has been subpar across all 3 Championship outings in February. At Ipswich Town, he even spilt an easy cross on the 1-1 goal. Although Portsmouth’s attack falls in the league’s bottom half in terms of goals, Okonkwo will be expected to do better across both halves.
CB: Callum Doyle
Callum Doyle’s attacking contribution adds a new layer to Wrexham’s goalscoring output. He doesn’t miss his marker most often, which makes it quite obvious that Doyle should start vs Portsmouth.
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CB: Dom Hyam
Hyam closed down Ipswich Town attackers from sending more crosses inside the box. There will be many Wrexham fans who will want to give Hyam a break but with Cleworth struggling, Parkinson will likely ignore that thought.
CB: Zak Vyner
Zak Vyner got nearly ten minutes under his belt as a substitute on the weekend. Watching Max Cleworth’s awful form, it’s easy to guess that Parkinson sent Vyner in the end to make him match ready for tonight’s Portsmouth clash.
LWB: George Thomason
Thomason is the only recognised Wrexham left wingback who has no issues with form and fitness at the moment. He will start. It’s simple as that.
CM: George Dobson
George Dobson’s lack of pace becomes quite problematic for the Reds on defending counter-attacks. Still, Phil Parkinson has merely had 24 hours to come up with a Ben Sheaf replacement for the Portsmouth game. Dobson will likely get the nod again as the team’s pivot.
CM: Lewis O’Brien
Lewis O’Brien is head and shoulders above every Wrexham midfielder when it comes to picking the right pass. At Ipswich Town, his couple of late assists sealed the 3 points for Wrexham. Hopefully, the same happens today as well.
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RWB: Ryan Longman
Picking Ryan Longman can help rest Issa Kabore after two demanding games against Bristol City and Ipswich Town last week. Following Ben Sheaf’s long-term injury, missing out on Kabore’s services will be the last thing Wrexham will want.
CAM: Nathan Broadhead
Nathan Broadhead was quick and sharp to net the 5-3 goal against his former club Ipswich Town. Phil Parkinson might reward him with a start and recall Ollie Rathbone as an impact substitute later.
CAM: Josh Windass
Josh Windass finding his scoring mojo around the business end of the season is good to see. Injuries don’t bother him much, meaning Windass should be fit to start again.
ST: Kieffer Moore
Sam Smith has appeared less clinical of late. Hence, it will be in the best interests of both Wrexham and Kieffer Moore if Parkinson relies on him again after his 2 goal contributions last Saturday.
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- Wrexham set for 4 matches in 11 days after Championship announcement
- Wrexham can sign Harry Wilson at current wages (if 3 exits happen)
- Wrexham player ratings from statement 5-3 Ipswich Town demolition at home
