Two League Two teams with ambitions of one day reaching the Premier League will lock horns for an eye-catching contest on Saturday afternoon, with Salford City making the trip to Wrexham.
The home side are currently seventh in the League Two table, boasting 20 points from their opening 12 matches of the season, while Salford are 13th, having collected 16 points from their first 12 games.
Match preview
© Reuters
Wrexham famously secured a return to the Football League by winning the National League last season, and they will have their eyes on back-to-back promotions, with League One their next target.
The Red Dragons, who were taken over by Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds and American actor Rob McElhenney in November 2020, last played in League Two in 2007-08, but it would be fair to say that a lot has changed at the club since then.
Wrexham have managed to impressively adjust to life back at this level, boasting a record of five wins, five draws and two defeats from their 12 matches to collect 20 points, which has left them in seventh position in the table, just four points behind leaders Notts County.
Phil Parkinson's side will bring a four-game unbeaten run into this contest, having drawn back-to-back games against Crewe Alexandra and Mansfield Town in League Two before winning away to Crawley Town and Crewe in the league and EFL Trophy respectively.
There is pressure on Parkinson to deliver another promotion considering the money that has been put into the club since the change of ownership, and there certainly looks to be a squad strong enough to seriously challenge for a spot in League One for the 2024-25 campaign.
© Reuters
Wrexham, though, only have to look at Salford to learn that money does not always equal success, at least not immediately, with the Ammies struggling to get out of League Two.
Salford are in their fifth straight campaign at this level of football, finishing 11th, eighth and 10th in their first three seasons before losing in the semi-finals of the playoffs last term after claiming seventh.
The Greater Manchester outfit, who are famously owned by Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Peter Lim, are currently in 13th position in the table, boasting a record of five wins, one draw and six defeats from 12 matches this term.
Neil Wood's side are actually on a run of three straight wins in League Two, beating Newport County, Sutton United and Crewe since their last loss at Harrogate Town.
Salford will enter this match off the back of a defeat, losing 3-1 to Stockport County in the EFL Trophy, but there is no question that the league is their main focus this term, and it is set to be a fascinating battle between Wrexham and Salford on Saturday afternoon.
Team News
© Reuters
Wrexham will be without the services of Andy Cannon through suspension, with the midfielder picking up a red card off the bench against Crawley last weekend.
As expected, head coach Parkinson rung the changes for the EFL Trophy contest with Crewe on Tuesday evening, but the big-hitters will return for this match.
Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer are set to operate as the front two for the Welsh outfit, with Elliot Lee, who has netted seven times already in the league this season, playing in a deeper area.
Salford, meanwhile, could be unchanged from the team that started against Crewe in the league last weekend, although Ryan Watson's goal off the bench might earn him a spot in midfield.
Matt Smith has been in excellent form this season, scoring seven times, and the 34-year-old will once again lead the line, looking to add to his three goals in his last two appearances.
Head coach Wood also made changes to his side for the EFL Trophy game with Stockport, but the key players will be back for the huge contest in Wales.
Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Okonkwo; Mendy, Hayden, O'Connell, O'Connor, McClean; Jones, Evans, Lee; Palmer, Mullin
Salford City possible starting lineup:
Cairns; Ingram, Mariappa, Tilt, John; Watt, Watson, Mallan; Bolton, Smith, N'Mai
We say: Wrexham 2-1 Salford City
There is still an awful lot of football to be played this season, but this feels like a very big football match for a number of reasons. Salford will be looking to flex their muscles, but Wrexham are in a good place at the moment, and we are expecting the home side to navigate their way to all three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Matt Law
