Predicted Wrexham lineup vs Derby County for today’s 26th Championship matchday. Phil Parkinson can make 3 changes for Wrexham ahead of the away evening.
Phil Parkinson took plenty of lineup risks in Wrexham’s 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers during midweek. Already without the striking duo of Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass, Parkinson went full throttle on lineup rotation by dropping Nathan Broadhead as well.
Then, he threw Lewis O’Brien in the middle of the park who was fresh from nursing his injured knee. These two calls itself were risky experiments at the wrong time and could have cost an easy away win.
Still, Parkinson is a boss riding high on momentum at the moment. Every questionable call he takes pays off for Wrexham in the form of 3 points.
But Derby County are no pushovers unlike Blackburn Rovers. The Rams are breathing down the Red Dragons necks in the race for promotion, so, being generous in picking the lineup will be a silly move from Parkinson.
Wrexham lineup doubts vs Derby County
Wrexham have all but confirmed Kieffer Moore’s return date, so, he will remain absent for the second time in 2026. Similarly, it would be more wishful than logical to expect Josh Windass take the pitch so soon.
Keeping these doubts in mind, below is the predicted Wrexham lineup vs Derby County.
Predicted Wrexham lineup vs Derby County
GK: Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo is a Wrexham goalkeeping legend in the making. He will start at Derby County, and another clean sheet to end the week will be the cherry on the cake for Wrexham.
CB: Dan Scarr
Scarr made a strong return to form against Blackburn. Never let any decisive Rovers pass cause trouble to Okonkwo and should be retained at Pride Park.
CB: Max Cleworth
It was shocking at first to see Cleworth warming the bench at Blackburn, but Parky needs to turn to him here. Callum Doyle looked uncomfortable when Rovers attacked on the counter, hence, Cleworth is the best choice for a 3rd centre-back.
CB: Dom Hyam
Hyam’s no-nonsense clearances are the talk of the town in the EFL Championship. Without James McClean, Dom Hyam has stepped in well with his leadership and the captain’s armband should stay with him today.
LWB: Liberato Cacace
Contrary to Lewis O’Brien, Parkinson took Liberato Cacace’s injury return slowly and gradually. The wing back played a good half an hour on Wednesday, and will remain in contention for a starting berth in the evening.
CM: Matty James
Matty James is arguably the only all-action midfielder Wrexham can trust for both attack and defensive duties. At Pride Park, Matty can be Parkinson’s underrated catalyst to prevent the hosts midfield from seeing more of the ball.
CAM: Ollie Rathbone
Ollie Rathbone has secured points for Wrexham as a super sub and second striker in recent weeks. Today, Rathbone is likely to return in his natural No.10 role while making way for Nathan Broadhead up top.
CM: Lewis O’Brien
For all his finishing complaints, it’s worth noting that LOB struck for Wrexham in the reverse fixture at the Racecourse. Also, O’Brien is press resistant and helps add more fluidity to the midfield.
RWB: Ryan Longman
Ryan Longman’s only decent competitor on the right wing is Issa Kabore. Until the latter returns, the position is only Longman’s for the taking.
ST: Nathan Broadhead
Broadhead has clocked in a full week of rest since the 2-1 Preston win. He will be fully recovered and roaring to go vs Derby County, and fans will count on him to lay more assists tonight.
ST: Sam Smith
Sam Smith has given Wrexham a fair reason to stay chilled despite Kieffer Moore’s fatigue. With a potential goal against Derby, Smith can leave Parkinson and the coaching crew willing to rely on him more often. That would be a welcome food for thought in the coming matchdays.
