Preview: Morecambe vs. Wrexham - prediction, team news, lineups

Morecambe defeated Crawley Town 1-0 in midweek, while Wrexham thrashed Accrington Stanley 4-0 to move third in the table last weekend.

Match preview

Having won six of their last 10 league matches, tasting defeat just twice in their last 12 games, Morecambe have revived their hopes of securing a playoff position in hope of achieving an instant return to League One.

In fact, if they can cause a minor upset against Wrexham on Saturday, they could even force themseles into the automatic promotion conversation given that they would move six points behind the Red Dragons with a third straight win.

Ged Brannan's side showed superb spirit and quality to come from two goals behind away to automatic promotion contenders Crewe Alexandra last weekend, with late goals from Joe Adams, Jordan Slew and Farrend Rawson providing Morecambe with an unlikely victory. Slew was on the scoresheet once again on Tuesday evening as his side ground down Crawley to a narrow 1-0 win at Globe Arena.

Only goal difference is keeping Morecambe outside of the playoff spots prior to a ball being kicked this weekend, with in-form Walsall currently edging them to seventh spot. Realistically, finishing sixth or seventh will be Brannan's target, and they may be content with avoiding defeat against their wealthier opponents on Saturday.

Indeed, despite only returning to the Football League for the first time since 2007-08 by winning the National League last season, Wrexham were always expected to challenge for back-to-back promotions under Phil Parkinson.

Wrexham's home form has been the bedrock of their rapid acclimatisation to playing at a higher level this season, as they made it 13 wins from their 17 league games at the Racecourse Ground this season.

Classy forward Paul Mullin scored a hat-trick within the opening 35 minutes, with Elliot Lee adding a fourth without reply before the referee blew for half-time. Lewis Shipley's straight red card in second half injury time summed up the visitors' collective frustration, as they were second best throughout.

However, Parkinson's side are not as accomplished on their travels, collecting only eight points from their last 10 away trips. They have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home since beating Swindon Town 1-0 on Boxing Day, so Parkinson will be demanding improved performance levels against their in-form opponents on Saturday, as they look to cling onto an automatic promotion spot.

Morecambe League Two form:

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D

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D

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W

Wrexham League Two form:

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W

Team News

Brannan switched from a back five to a back four against Crawley in midweek, with Chris Stokes and Gwion Edwards both dropping down to the bench. The 52-year-old may be torn between keeping this system in front of the club's home fans, or opting for a more defensive formation against high calibre opponents.

Having scored from the bench two games running, Slew will be expecting to start in attack, meaning Gerard Garner's place in the starting XI may be under threat.

Wrexham, meanwhile, have had a week to rest and prepare for this match. As such, it would be surprising if Parkinson made any changes after his side thrashed Accrington last time out.

As a result, the likes of Ben Tozer, Luke Young and former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher may have to settle for being used from the bench once again, with Mullin and Ollie Palmer continuing in tandem in attack.

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Mair; Senior, Rawson, Bedeau, Melbourne; Khumbeni, Songo'o; Edwards, Adams, Brown; Slew

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Barnett, Cleworth, O'Connell, Boyle, Mendy; Lee, Cannon, McClean; Palmer, Mullin

We say: Morecambe 1-1 Wrexham

Morecambe have made progressive strides in recent weeks, while Wrexham returned to winning ways in their last match in emphatic fashion, so this should be an entertaining game.

However, Parkinson's side are considerably stronger at home than they are away, so we can envisage both sides settling for a point on Saturday.

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