A look at Wrexham’s predicted lineup as they battle out against Swansea in a crucial Welsh derby amidst the brewing Championship playoffs race.
The stage is set for a rematch of the highly anticipated Welsh derby between Wrexham and Swansea. Beyond the North vs South Wales rivalry, this clash could have a major say in the Championship playoff race.
While Wrexham have the chance to end Swansea’s playoff hopes and avenge their earlier defeat, the risk is just as high. One slip, and they could lose their own playoff spot to in-form rivals like Southampton.
Consider Wrexham’s misfortune that they can’t even head into this high-stakes derby with their best XI. With multiple starters injured or suspended, Phil Parkinson will need to rely on some fresh faces to step up.
Factor in Phil Parkinson’s tendency to tinker with his lineup, and we could see as many as three changes from the side that faced Hull. On that note, here’s a look at how Parky might set up the Reds against Swansea.
GK: Arthur Okonkwo
The last time Okonkwo faced Swansea, the keeper was at fault for a late defeat. This rematch is his chance to seek redemption for that blunder, and a clean sheet would do the world of good for his confidence.
CB: Callum Doyle
Not many noticed it, but Doyle was lucky not to be shown a second yellow after fouling Gelhardt for a penalty in the Hull game. Doyle is expected to start against Swansea, and his ability to drive the ball forward with dangerous passes could be key to Wrexham’s chances.
CB: Dom Hyam
The backline leader will be tasked with neutralising the Championship’s top scorer, Zan Vipotnik. In their previous face-off, Vipotnik initiated Swansea’s fightback with a goal that deflected off Hyam. Captain Hyam will be expected to step up and have the final laugh tonight.
CB: Max Cleworth
Lately, Max Cleworth’s form has been fairly disappointing for the Wrexham faithful. But the fact that Zak Vyner was awful against Hull City leaves Parky with no choice but to start Cleworth once again.
LWB: George Thomason
It’s hard to believe that George Thomason played in central midfield in the last Wrexham-Swansea clash in December. Since then, a lot has changed in Thomason’s role for the better, and now Wrexham need him to be the catalyst in their journey to the playoffs.
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CM: Ollie Rathbone
The first change of the evening could see Rathbone replace Zak Vyner in the starting XI. This comes after Vyner’s poor display against Hull earlier this week. While central midfield feels out of position for attack-oriented Rathbone, his pressing could help him cover ground in a tough derby.
CM: Lewis O’Brien
Next comes a familiar face for both Wrexham and Swansea fans: Lewis O’Brien. This will be the midfielder’s third Welsh derby appearance, having suffered 2-1 defeats against both Cardiff and Swansea earlier.
In the last Swansea meeting, O’Brien picked up an injury after being brought on to make a difference in a 1-1 tie. Both Wrexham and O’Brien will hope for a better outing this time.
RWB: Issa Kabore
Though Kabore’s fitness has been a topic of concern, the wing-back looked electric in his return against Hull City. Kabore provided the assist for Broadhead’s goal and will be rewarded with a start against Swansea.
CAM: Nathan Broadhead
Given that Ollie Rathbone is starting in central midfield, Nathan Broadhead is likely to start in the attacking role. The forward scored a clever tap-in against Hull City by drifting unmarked into the box, and similar heroics will be expected from Broadhead tonight.
CAM: Josh Windass
Windass has been Wrexham’s most proven player on the big occasions. Now that the season heads into the final stretch, big performances are needed from Windass following the depletion of the midfield and attack.
So far, Windass has won only one game against Swansea in six outings in his career. The attacker will need to improve on that record, as Wrexham’s hopes for a win rest on his shoulders.
ST: Bailey Cadamarteri
Sam Smith is carrying a fair amount of fatigue, and Bailey Cadamarteri could be handed his first Wrexham start in Kieffer Moore’s absence. A potential debut start in the Welsh derby leaves it all for Cadamarteri to shine on the big stage.
The young prodigy’s height could give him an aerial advantage over Swansea defenders Burgess and Cabango. A derby goal to open his Wrexham account? Fans would happily take that.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- ‘Will be back’ – Phil Parkinson names Wrexham star closest to injury return
- ‘I don’t think’ – Wrexham fans will love what Harry Wilson thinks of FA Cup call
- ‘Strong’ – Wrexham again labelled underdogs in Welsh derby vs Swansea
- ‘Too many injuries’ – Wrexham fans uncertain on Championship playoffs dreams
- Phil Parkinson to blame for Kieffer Moore injury after FA Cup admission
