Wrexham AFC Vs Preston North End Preview

Wrexham AFC welcome Preston North End to the Racecourse Ground on Saturday afternoon, with both sides desperate for points after difficult starts to the Championship season. Phil Parkinson’s side sit 17th following Tuesday’s defeat to West Bromwich Albion, while bottom-placed Preston arrive after a heavy 4–0 defeat at Birmingham City.

Preston North End have endured a disastrous start to the Championship season, sitting bottom after ten matches with just four points. The Lilywhites have recorded one win, one draw and eight defeats, scoring eight goals and conceding 20. Their only victory came against Blackburn Rovers in September, while the poor run cost Paul Heckingbottom his job. New manager Graham Alexander has struggled to reverse their fortunes, with Tuesday’s 4–0 defeat at Birmingham extending their troubles.

Wrexham have endured an inconsistent start to the Championship season, collecting 11 points from their opening ten matches. Phil Parkinson’s side sit 17th, with two wins, five draws and three defeats, scoring 11 goals and conceding 15. Wins over Millwall and Southampton showed potential, but a 6–0 defeat at West Ham exposed defensive problems. A 1–1 draw at Derby came before Tuesday’s 2–1 defeat to West Brom, increasing pressure ahead of Preston’s visit.

Preston North End travel to Wrexham with several injury concerns. Defender Harry Clarke is ruled out after hyperextending his knee against Millwall, while midfielder Liam Gibbs suffered a quadriceps injury during Tuesday’s 4–0 defeat at Birmingham City. Striker Johnny Kenny has yet to resume training and is not expected to feature. Captain Ali McCann remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Brad Potts is continuing his recovery after returning to action for the under-21s. Caleb Wiley could be available again after resuming training, giving manager Graham Alexander a possible boost ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham face significant injuries ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash with Preston North End. Phil Parkinson is expected to be without seven first-team players, including Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead, Ben Sheaf, George Thomason, Liberato Cacace, Matty James and Josh Windass. The latter suffered an ankle injury against Derby County, while James continues to struggle with a recurring back problem. Cleworth, Broadhead and Sheaf have resumed running but remain unavailable. There is positive news regarding Callum Doyle, who returned against West Brom after recovering from a groin injury. Parkinson described the current injury situation as his worst since joining Wrexham.

Wrexham and Coventry first met in 1909, with Coventry winning 3–0. Their most memorable recent encounter came in January 2023, when non-league Wrexham secured a dramatic 4–3 FA Cup victory. The sides met in the Championship last season, with Wrexham winning 3–2 at home before Coventry secured a 3–1 win.

Phil Parkinson has called for a reaction to the loss against West Brom, and im expecting another tough game at the Racecourse.

Prediction - Wrexham 1-0 Preston North End.