Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is set to make changes to the Starting XI tonight with key players carrying knocks.
The Welsh outfit host Salford City at the Racecourse ground this evening in what is the host’s first EFL Trophy game of the round. Currently sitting top of the League One table in their first season in the third tier, some Parkinson’s men will be catching a well-deserved break tonight. The Red Dragons are unbeaten so far in the league, picking up 13 points out of a possible 15. Wins against Wycombe Wanderers, Reading, Peterborough United and rivals Shrewsbury Town have ensured the successful start to life in the third tier, with their only draw coming against Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers, a side also hunting promotion this season.
After their fiesty match against rivals Shrewsbury on Saturday, Parkinson is expected to exclude players such as the likes of captain James McClean and Elliot Lee from the EFL Trophy matchday squad tonight. Speaking to The Leader, Parkinson said:
“James (McClean) played with an injection in his foot on Saturday. He didn’t train all week. He had a nasty blow to his foot so he needs to have some period of rest.
“Elliot (Lee) has got to see a specialist. Nothing serious but we need to clear something up with him. There’s a few we need to patch up but equally, it’s a great opportunity for people to get some minutes.”
The 56-year-old then issued an update on Andy Cannon, who started the opening four league games but missed the derby on Saturday:
“Andy (Cannon) is not serious. He had a fitness test on Saturday but we have got some good players, a lot of options, and there was no need to risk him. He has got a slight problem when he gets fatigued which is causing his hamstring to tighten up but we can manage his workload and I am expecting him to be back for next week.”
He then continued to speak on players within his ranks who haven’t got their chance to impress yet, some of who look like they will get a chance to do so tonight:
“We have got players who aren’t making the bench at the moment that could easily get in the team and stay in the team. I firmly believe that. It’s just that, like we have done in previous years, we have gone with the lads who got us over the line last year apart from George Dobson. He has come in and his performances speak for themselves, and obviously, George Evans got injured. The lads who got us over the line last year deserve to start but there are some good players ready and waiting.”
Wrexham also have matches against League Two outfit Port Vale and Wolverhampton Wanderers under 21’s to come in the EFL Trophy.
Writer’s View
It comes as no shock that some Wrexham players are experiencing fatigue and injuries already, especially with their match against the Salop coming so early in the calendar. However, it will also come as no surprise that Parkinson has plenty of players at his disposal to use when needed, for competitions and matches such as this one.
As previously mentioned by Parkinson himself, he is mainly sticking with the players that got them promoted to the third tier last season. This means that new signings such as Callum Burton, Dan Scarr, Sebastian Revan, Lewis Brunt and Mo Faal haven’t had a chance to impress as of yet, and these signings Wrexham have made are players who are more than good enough to play in the third tier. Players given these opportunities to impress need to take it by the horns if they want to be in the manager’s plans in terms of the League.
League One is arguably stronger than ever this season, and if the Red Dragons are looking for yet another promotion, squad depth is going to be needed. With a few injuries already creeping in, the strength and depth of the squad will be tested this season.