Preview: Wrexham vs. Oldham Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the home side sit just one point adrift of top spot in the fifth tier, the visitors are down in 19th position.

Match preview

Although Wrexham are prioritising promotion from the National League this season, there will be an acceptance that an FA Cup run can only boost their growing popularity.

Their Hollywood owners will no doubt be hoping that the Welsh side can progress through to the third round and draw a high-profile Premier League club. It will probably be enough for another documentary.

However, the Dragons must first overcome Oldham if they want to continue on their current trajectory, and Phil Parkinson's team will be expected to make light work of the Latics.

Wrexham have won 11 of their last 14 league fixtures, including a 2-1 win at the home of their upcoming opponents, and they now sit just one point adrift of leaders Notts County.

Parkinson's side needed two bites of the cherry to reach this stage of the competition, initially being held by National League North outfit Blyth Spartans before prevailing 3-2 in the replay at the Racecourse Ground.

On the back of losing their EFL status earlier this year, everyone associated with Oldham would have anticipated a testing first year in non-league, and that is how things have materialised.

Oldham are yet to win successive matches in the National League, the club only sitting two points the relegation zone as a result of their inconsistency.

Their last two matches have ended in defeat, a 1-0 reverse coming at Altrincham before Halifax Town got the better of them by a 2-1 scoreline.

David Unsworth is still looking to make an impact at Boundary Park, but his side did come through their fourth qualifying round tie with Chester FC on penalties after draws across the two games.

Wrexham FA Cup form:

Wrexham form (all competitions):

W

D

D

W

W

W

Oldham Athletic FA Cup form:

Oldham Athletic form (all competitions):

L

D

D

W

L

L

Team News

Barring any unforeseen injury issues, Parkinson may be prepared to select the same Wrexham XI from the win over Maidenhead United on Tuesday evening.

Jordan Davies is in contention for a return in central midfield, while Thomas O'Connor is also an option if Parkinson wishes to tinker with his side.

Paul Mullin should feature in the final third having already netted 12 goals in the National League this season.

As for Oldham, John Rooney may be considered for a recall with the Latics having lost their last two matches.

Conor Carty will also hope for an opportunity in attack, but this game comes too soon for Liam Hogan despite his recent recovery from a broken foot.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Howard; Tozer, Tunnicliffe, Hayden, Hosannah, Young, Forde, Jones, Palmer, Lee, Mullin

Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:

Norman; Clarke, Francis-Angol, Maynard, Threlkeld, Sheron, Okagbue, Tollitt, Cooper, Carty, Abraham

We say: Wrexham 4-1 Oldham Athletic

Having been sucked into a relegation battle, Oldham's priorities lie elsewhere right now. While Wrexham are also focused on league matters, a cup run is still desirable, and we feel that the home side will breeze past their opponents on Sunday.

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