Wrexhamvs.Cambridge

The Red Dragons will be looking for their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions this weekend, while the U's will be desperate to avoid being cut adrift in the relegation zone.

Match preview

Phil Parkinson's side are currently second in League One, level with Wycombe Wanderers on 40 points after 19 matches, though they have played a game more than their title rivals.

Since losing to Dave Challinor's Stockport County on November 16, Wrexham are on an impressive streak of five wins in a row, scoring seven goals and keeping clean sheets in all five of those fixtures.

The defensive resilience the Red Dragons have displayed this season is borne out in the fact that they boast the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 11 goals so far.

However, it is notable that Parkinson's side have won their last four by just a goal to nil, and last netted more than once in a game back in November when they beat Exeter City 3-0.

Last time out in the league, Wrexham overcame the difficult conditions to grind out a narrow win against strugglers Burton Albion, a result that goalscorer Elliott Lee said showcased the mentality and togetherness of the squad and staff.

On Saturday, the Red Dragons will be up against a similarly troubled side and will have to remain patient in what could be a frustrating match against a team trying to keep their hopes of survival intact.

Meanwhile, Garry Monk's Cambridge are 22nd in League One, four points behind Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic, the first teams outside of the relegation zone.

In stark contrast to Wrexham, the U's have recorded just one win from their last eight games in all competitions, losing four, drawing three and keeping just one clean sheet in that period.

Despite that poor form, Monk's side did manage to beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 last time out in the league on December 7.

In that match, Cambridge took the initiative, scoring in the first minute of both halves and racing into a 4-0 lead by the 53rd minute, only conceding a consolation goal from a penalty with 20 minutes to go.

After the game, Monk was pleased with his team but remarked that his side would need more of the same if they are to stay in the division, and it is important to remember that Shrewsbury are bottom of League One, nine points from safety and five behind the U's.

On Saturday, Cambridge will face a title-chasing Wrexham that are in incredible form and have ambitions of playing Championship football next season, and it will take an exceptional performance to escape with all three points.

Wrexham League One form:

W

L

W

W

W

W

Wrexham form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

W

W

Cambridge United League One form:

L

D

D

D

L

W

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

D

D

L

L

W

L

Team News

Wrexham will be without Arthur Okonkwo due to a wrist injury, and Callum Burton may be out on a more long-term basis, so expect Mark Howard to feature between the sticks.

Elsewhere, Jack Marriott is not expected back this year, and James Jones is a doubt for this weekend's match.

However, James McClean and George Dobson will be back in contention after serving their suspensions in their last league match.

As for the U's, Tuesday's elimination from the EFL Trophy saw Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes score as he returned to the starting lineup for the first time since picking up a knee injury in September, though Monk may opt to introduce the young attacking midfielder from the bench as he builds fitness.

In defence, Jubril Okedina could be in line for his first league start since his red card against Bolton Wanderers in late November, while forward Shayne Lavery, who scored a brace against Shrewsbury, will likely start in the forward line alongside Dan N'Lundulu and Elias Kachunga.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Howard; Cleworth, O'Connell, Brunt; Barnett, Cannon, James, Rathbone, McClean; Lee, Palmer

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Reyes; Okedina, Rossi, Morrison, Andrew; Cousins, Smith, Brophy; Kachunga, N'Lundulu, Lavery

We say: Wrexham 2-0 Cambridge United

Wrexham may not be in the best goalscoring form at the moment, but they are consistently churning out good results.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

Previews by email