Wrexham play host to Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would keep them hot on the heels of second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.
At a time when the home side sit in third position in the League One table, the visitors are down in 14th place despite a recent return to form.
Match preview
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Having missed out on a place in the EFL Trophy final, there was the possibility of that disappointment creeping into league matters.
However, Wrexham have been able to earn four points from matches against Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town respectively, helping them make up ground on Wycombe.
Although Phil Parkinson will be eager to see more goals scored by his side, three clean sheets and just three goals conceded have come from their last five League One fixtures.
The last time that Wrexham kept three consecutive shutouts in the third tier was back in early December, but that feat can be achieved this weekend.
Despite failing to win any of their most recent four home fixtures, Wrexham remain with the second-best home record in the division, highlighting their previous dominance at the Racecourse Ground.
![Rotherham United manager Steve Evans during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham United at Adams Park, High Wycombe, England, on 24 August 2024. [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/steve-evans.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Rotherham United manager Steve Evans during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham United at Adams Park, High Wycombe, England, on 24 August 2024. [on August 25, 2024]")
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Meanwhile, Rotherham are simply playing for mid-table consolidation at this stage with Steve Evans's side being too inconsistent throughout this campaign.
The Millers had gone five games without success - losing four times - before recording back-to-back victories in their most recent two outings.
After a 3-2 win away at Bristol Rovers, a 1-0 triumph came at home to Leyton Orient, Rotherham's first win with a clean sheet since New Year's Day.
Now 11 points clear of the relegation zone with 12 matches remaining, Rotherham can afford to go into this contest with a freedom that may enable them to trouble their hosts as they bid to record three successive wins for the first time this season.
Team News
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While it is plausible that Wrexham may opt to go with a more attack-minded lineup, Parkinson may also consider retaining the 3-5-1-1 formation that worked at Huddersfield.
Steven Fletcher has put himself in contention for a recall having scored the decisive goal as a substitute, but the 37-year-old remains with just two league starts all season.
Elliot Lee is an alternative to George Dobson in midfield, but Paul Mullin is not expected to be involved yet again.
Meanwhile, Cameron Humphreys could drop back into the Rotherham back four with Zak Jules in line to miss out.
Louie Sibley could be restored in midfield, but the rest of the side that started against Leyton Orient may stay the same.
Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Okonkwo; Cleworth, O'Connell, O'Connor; Longman, Dobson, James, Rathbone, Revan; Rodriguez; Smith
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Phillips; McWilliams, Odoffin, Humphreys, James; Sibley, Mpanzu, Powell; Wilks; Nombe, Clarke-Harris
We say: Wrexham 2-0 Rotherham United
This game could prove to be far more competitive than it may have been a couple of weeks ago with Rotherham currently on a high. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore Wrexham's home form, leading us to predict a hard-fought victory for the Welsh outfit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
