Wrexham return to Championship action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome in-form Southampton to the STōK Cae Ras for their final fixture before the international break.
Phil Parkinson’s side will look to respond immediately after a difficult 6-0 defeat to West Ham United. The result has increased pressure around the head coach and Wrexham’s long-term vision. The Red Dragons have collected one victory, four draws and two defeats from their opening seven league matches.
Wrexham produced an impressive 3-0 away win over Millwall at the start of September. However, they have scored only once in the three matches since and remain one of six Championship clubs yet to record a home league victory this season.
Their four home games have produced two draws and two defeats, so Saturday’s contest offers another chance to deliver a much-needed win in front of their supporters.
Southampton travel to North Wales in considerably better form. Despite beginning the campaign with a four-point deduction following the club’s Spygate controversy, the Saints sit ninth and are three points above Wrexham.
Tonda Eckert’s team lost their opening fixture against Watford but have since produced an unbeaten run of six Championship matches. Southampton have also recorded consecutive victories, beating Swansea City 3-1 before producing a commanding 4-1 win over Bristol City.
However, Southampton’s away record offers Wrexham some encouragement. The Saints remain without a win in their first three Championship games on the road, registering two draws and one defeat.
Recent meetings favour the visitors, who have won four of their previous five league encounters with Wrexham. Southampton completed a Championship double over the Red Dragons last season and secured an emphatic 5-1 victory on their previous visit to the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham’s last victory over Southampton came in the fifth round of the 1973/74 FA Cup, when they earned a memorable 1-0 success away from home.
Parkinson will be without Nathan Broadhead after the forward suffered a thigh injury that also forced him to withdraw from the Wales squad. Max Cleworth, Liberato Cacace, George Thomason and Ollie Rathbone are also injury doubts.
Ben Sheaf has recovered from injury and could be included in a matchday squad for the first time this season.
Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes is expected to be available despite being substituted at half-time against Bristol City. Caspar Jander is nearing a return from a hamstring problem, although Saturday’s match may come too soon.
Southampton arrive as favourites, but their failure to win away this season gives Wrexham an opportunity to silence some doubters and restart their season.
