Wrexham welcome Middlesbrough to the STōK Cae Ras on Wednesday evening in what promises to be an interesting EFL Championship clash.
The two sides come into the game in very different positions.
Middlesbrough currently sit at the top of the EFL Championship table after an impressive start to the season, while Wrexham are looking to get back to winning ways following two consecutive league defeats.
Phil Parkinson’s side will be hoping home advantage can help them pick up an important result, but they face a difficult test against a Middlesbrough team that have been in excellent form.
Kick-off is at 7:45pm on Wednesday, November 4.
Wrexham looking to get back on track
Wrexham have had a difficult couple of weeks and will be keen to put things right against the league leaders.
Defeats against Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United have left Parkinson’s side needing a response, particularly after failing to score in either match.
Their recent performances have been disappointing, but there have been some positive signs this season.
Their 4-1 win against Preston North End showed what they are capable of when things click going forward.
Playing at home could be a big advantage for Wrexham, with the atmosphere at the STōK Cae Ras likely to give the players an extra boost.
Kieffer Moore will be an important player for the hosts.
His strength and ability in the air could cause problems for the Middlesbrough defence, although Wrexham will need to provide him with better service.
Defensively, Parkinson will want to see an improvement from his players.
Middlesbrough have been scoring regularly this season, and Wrexham cannot afford to give them too much space in dangerous areas.
A positive result would be a big boost for Wrexham, but they will need to be at their best to get anything from this fixture and ease the pressure on Parkinson.
Middlesbrough hoping to continue their strong form
Middlesbrough travel to North Wales as one of the Championship’s strongest sides so far this season.
They currently sit top of the table with 28 points from 13 matches and have looked particularly impressive in recent weeks.
Kim Hellberg’s side have won four of their last five league games, including convincing victories against Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic.
Their attacking performances have been a major reason for their success, with 30 goals scored in their opening 13 league matches.
Will Lankshear has been one of the players to watch, while Tommy Conway and Amario Cozier-Duberry have also offered plenty going forward.
Middlesbrough have shown that they can score goals against different types of opposition, which will be a concern for Wrexham heading into Wednesday’s match.
They will also be confident of getting a result away from home, especially considering their recent performances.
Although Wrexham should make things difficult, Middlesbrough will see this as a good opportunity to pick up another three points and maintain their position at the top of the table.
Team news
Wrexham have a few injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s match.
Josh Windass, Liberato Cacace and Nathan Broadhead are among the players expected to miss out, while Sebastian Revan is also a doubt.
Moore is likely to lead the attack, with Parkinson hoping his side can find more creativity in the final third.
Middlesbrough also have some injury problems, with Alfie Jones expected to be unavailable. Róbert Pukštás and David Strelec are also doubts.
Wrexham predicted XI: Patterson; Hyam, Worrall, Doyle; Kaboré, James, Sheaf, Ekomié; Rathbone, O’Brien; Moore.
Middlesbrough predicted XI: Vítek; Brittain, Phillips, Malanda, Borges; Berhalter, Morris; Cozier-Duberry, McGree, Conway; Lankshear.
Score prediction
Wrexham 0-2 Middlesbrough
This is likely to be a difficult game for Wrexham, especially considering the form Middlesbrough have shown in recent weeks.
The home side will certainly have a chance of getting something from the game, particularly with the support of their fans behind them.
However, Middlesbrough’s attacking quality could make the difference. They have been scoring goals regularly and look a confident side at the moment.
Wrexham should be able to create a few opportunities of their own, especially through Moore, but they may struggle to keep Middlesbrough quiet for the full 90 minutes.
It would not be surprising to see both teams score, but Middlesbrough look the more likely winners based on their recent performances and having kept a clean sheet in their last game, confidence in their back line will be high.
A 2-0 away victory looks like a fair prediction, with the visitors potentially extending their impressive run of form at the top of the Championship.
By Elliot Desage
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