A predicted Wrexham lineup to expect how well Phil Parkinson can setup the Red Dragons vs Sheffield United on Championship Boxing Day.
This Sheffield United matchday has given all sorts of rollercoaster emotions to Wrexham fans in the game build-up itself. The noise of the Red Dragons walking in with a crippled squad is all over at Racecourse, and boss Phil Parkinson has to live with it.
Like many Wrexham fans in their childhood, Parkinson may also have attempted the “best out of waste” activities on Christmas. Now, in his late 50s, the Championship gods want Parky to put this trick to strong use in front of familiar Blades figure Chris Wilder.
Frankly speaking, Wilder and Sheffield United have plenty of Wrexham injury updates to underestimate them. Yet, the Red Dragons hold one crucial X-factor whose form and fitness appears to have aligned at the best time of the season.
Drumroll, it’s 2024/25 Wrexham Player of the Year Ollie Rathbone. Recently, he talked on his Championship career at length and showed enough hunger to force his way back into Phil Parkinson’s starting eleven.
With Lewis O’Brien’s recovery schedule still a mystery for Wrexham, Rathbone is a like-for-like choice to run the central midfield. That said, let’s have a look at the other ten pieces Parkinson can lineup to face Sheffield United.
Predicted Wrexham lineup vs Sheffield United
Goalkeeper: Arthur Okonkwo
Conceding two goals per game is becoming the new norm for Arthur Okonkwo in December. Agreed, the 24 year old has been a class act for Wrexham in goal but another costly slip up at Sheffield United may force Danny Ward back into the No.1 debate.
Centre Back: Callum Doyle
Doyle was shaky against Swansea and most of it might be down to the nerves of a Welsh derby. Sheffield at home is an ambitious chance to strive for a clean sheet, let’s see how good Doyle shows up here.
Centre Back: Max Cleworth
The Blades have plenty of heading threats from set pieces all around the pitch. There are Tyler Bindon, Japhet Tanganga, Tyrese Campbell to name a few, implying Cleworth must drop his A game to defend corners and free-kicks all night.
Centre Back: Dominic Hyam
Hyam has a fairly balanced past against Sheffield United. The 30 year old Scot has some top performances to his name in front of the Blades and let’s hope Friday is another such day.
Left Midfield: Nathan Broadhead
In other Championship teams, their record signings often play every game barring a string of flop outings. At Wrexham, it’s usually different for Nathan Broadhead but without James McClean, it’s quite obvious Parky will call Broadhead for the full 90.
Defensive Midfield: George Dobson
Dobson’s wide range of passing was a treat to watch against Swansea. Back-to-back weeks for Dobson with a hand in Wrexham’s goal, who says no?
Defensive Midfield: Ben Sheaf
Sheaf or Thomason can be a close call. Thomason usually keeps things tidy in the midfield, but I feel Sheaf’s ball recovery and defending will be required to deal with Sheffield’s heavy press.
Central Midfield: Ollie Rathbone
It’s a shame that a preseason injury denied Wrexham fans to enjoy Ollie Rathbone’s quality for months. Anyways, Rathbone is back since a while and hopefully his Championship hunger translates into a few goals tomorrow evening.
Right Midfield: Ryan Longman
As the only right winger in the whole Wrexham squad, Longman is a top contender to retain his role versus Sheffield United.
Centre Forward: Josh Windass
For the past five years, Josh Windass has played the Sheffield United game as a derby. Surprisingly, Windass is yet to score against the Blades and there are good chances that deadlock breaks in a Wrexham shirt.
Striker: Kieffer Moore
Regardless of Chris Wilder’s words, Moore will likely receive a booing reception from the travelling Blades fans. If he uses it as a motivation to bag goals, the three points aren’t going anywhere from Wrexham.
Where to watch Wrexham vs Sheffield United on TV?
A packed crowd is always expected at the Racecourse on Boxing Day eve, but there are plenty of Wrexham fans who prefer to stay home with their families.
Tuning to the Red Dragons on TV remains the best option for them. According to Live Football on TV, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR are the go to channels for Wrexham vs Sheffield United action.
Wrexham vs Sheffield United Predictions
Fully aware of Wrexham’s 4 key absences namely Liberato Cacace, Issa Kabore, Lewis O’Brien and James McClean, it’s tough to expect a win or atleast a draw for Phil Parkinson’s men. Still, I believe Wrexham will get a goal and end up with a 1-2 home defeat.
