Hull City midfielder Matt Crooks has been handed a 2-game suspension after he collected his 10th yellow card of the season against Ipswich Town.
While Wrexham prepare for the upcoming Chelsea FA Cup game, several promising updates await them on the sidelines. After Ryan Reynolds & Rob Mac’s confirmed presence for the Welsh derby, Wrexham fans are in for a suspension boost ahead of the next league clash against Hull.
That’s because Hull City star Matt Crooks has accumulated his 10th yellow card this Championship campaign. The development has Crooks suspended for Hull’s upcoming games against Millwall & Wrexham.
Matt Crooks suspended for Wrexham clash
Recently, Hull City featured in their postponed Championship fixture against Ipswich Town. While the game ended in a narrow 0-1 defeat for the Tigers, their loss was compounded by the suspension of Matt Crooks.
Crooks already stood at 9 yellows this season and had served a previous suspension for accumulating 5 yellow cards before the 19th matchday. Still, the Hull midfielder went in for an unnecessary challenge to take his count to 10 bookings before the 37th matchday.
Matt Crooks lunged in at Ipswich’s Wes Burns near the middle of the park in a no-threat play from the Tractor Boys. While it could have been avoided, the Hull playmaker ended up gifting a suspension boost to Wrexham.
As per EFL rules, Crooks will be unavailable for selection for Hull boss Sergej Jakirović in the next 2 games against Millwall and Wrexham.
How important is Matt Crooks to Hull City’s playstyle?
Since joining Hull City in the winter of 2025, Matt Crooks has been a pillar for the Tigers in midfield. Being a versatile playmaker, he is highly valued by the manager for his ability to fill in multiple roles across the pitch.
Crooks’ importance at Hull is evident from the fact that his hamstring injury last month forced the team into a mid-season crisis. While the Tigers were high-flying on a 3-game win streak with him, his unforeseen absence collapsed Hull’s momentum as the side won only one game out of the four he missed.
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Recently, Matt Crooks’ injury comeback had redirected Hull’s promotion charge in the right direction. But his latest suspension disrupts the Tigers’ form once again.
Crook’s absence against Millwall and Wrexham could be pivotal to the upcoming results. Wrexham fans would wholeheartedly agree to this after they saw the midfielder’s mavericks in their last meeting.
Notably, Matt Crooks was Hull City’s standout performer in their 2-0 victory over Wrexham last year. Crooks forced a save from Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo, with Kyle Joseph tucking away the rebound to give the Tigers the opening lead.
Apart from this, Crooks was a constant threat to Wrexham as the midfielder showcased his exceptional playmaking skills and came close to assisting another one on the evening.
Crooks’ absence opens a surprise opportunity for Wrexham
So far, Matt Crooks has been one of Hull’s best players this season. His 6 goal contributions are a testament to his attacking threat, accompanied by his ability to transition from deeper roles to the final third.
Having filled in the defensive midfield, attacking midfield and even the centre-forward role, Crooks’ absence will hurt the Tigers cruelly against an in-form Wrexham side. However, the Reds must ensure that they exploit this suspension boost completely.
While Hull’s results have statistically fallen off in Crook’s absence, Wrexham would need to bring out its best game against the Tigers. Unlike bottom-half sides like Charlton and Portsmouth, Hull won’t spare the Reds if given chances.
This must prepare Wrexham for the upcoming gruelling battle against Hull City. But the Reds’ upside is quite exciting as well. After Hull’s defeat to Ipswich, the Tigers are just 3 points ahead of Wrexham.
Given that Hull’s next games lie against promotion favourites Millwall and Wrexham, a single slip could hand the Reds a key chance to displace the Tigers for a higher position in the table.
Here, Matt Crooks’ absence additionally helps Wrexham to strengthen their promotion charge with a win over Hull. Let’s see if the Reds can utilise this advantage to their best use.
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