Preview: Wrexham vs. Southend United - prediction, team news, lineups

With only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs, Wrexham must continue their incredible run of form to take the title.

Match preview

In the continuation of this enthralling title race in the English fifth tier, Wrexham remain on course to break the all time record for points in a season at this level.

If Phil Parkinson's men continue on the same trajectory as their current points-per-game record, they will end the season with 112 points, comfortably beating the current record of 105.

As well as that, they are just five wins away from breaking the record of most wins in a campaign too, which currently stands at 31 in a 46-game season, and with 10 games of the regular season to go, they are expected to set that new milestone.

Even with all those incredibly impressive statistics, there is still the very real possibility that Wrexham may not go up automatically, given that Notts County are still breathing down their neck, despite a recent blip.

County are now four points behind, and Wrexham's draw with Maidenhead in front of the TV cameras last week, their only blemish in their last six games, would have felt like a defeat given the late equaliser they conceded, and the inability to take advantage of their direct rivals also dropping points earlier in the day.

The performances of the top two has brought into question why only one side goes up automatically from the National League, as it appears ludicrous to many how a side can amass so many points but still have to go through the playoff route.

Wrexham buckled under the pressure in the playoffs last season and will want to avoid that again at all costs, and the only way to do so is by winning the league outright.

They have still not lost a game at home since that dramatic 5-4 defeat to Grimsby Town in the playoff semi-final last season, as Parkinson's side have recorded 16 wins and one draw from their 17 league games at the Racecourse Ground this season.

Notts County inflicted their last league defeat all the way back in October, but there is a sense they must avoid draws to maintain the lead they have recently gained at the top.

All eyes will be on Wrexham, but Southend will look to spoil the party given their own playoff ambitions.

The Shrimpers lost heavily at Wrexham's title rivals Notts County last month, but remain just four points outside the top seven with two games in hand, despite three defeats in their last four games.

The other defeats in that run came against Barnet and Chesterfield so they will be disappointed to have lost ground on two fellow promotion rivals.

The games continue to get tougher too, with Wrexham next on the horizon, before facing another side vying for a playoff place, Boreham Wood.

Wrexham National League form:

W

W

W

W

D

W

Southend United National League form:

W

W

L

W

L

L

Team News

Parkinson made a number of tactical changes to his Wrexham side for their midweek clash with Dagenham & Redbridge.

Goalkeeper Mark Howard dropped to the bench after his howler cost them two points at Maidenhead.

Sam Dalby and Max Cleworth were both rested, while there was a rare start for James Jones in midfield.

Southend's Harry Cardwell and keeper Steve Arnold returned from injuries to feature against Chesterfield in midweek.

Blondy Nna Noukeu was recalled by Stoke City in the week after being a regular in the Southend side since December, meaning 33-year-old Arnold made his first appearance since August to replace him in goal.

Collin Andeng, Nathan Ralph and Dan Mooney all returned to the matchday squad after respective injury layoffs.

Jake Hyde remains out as he is ineligible against his parent club, but Rhys Murphy is close to a comeback following his return to training.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Lainton; Barnett, Cleworth, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, Mendy; Cannon, Lee, Young; Mullin, Dalby

Southend United possible starting lineup:

Arnold; Scott-Morriss, Hobson, Kensdale, Ralph; Bridge, Husin, Powell, Taylor, Miley; Cardwell

We say: Wrexham 3-0 Southend United

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