Burkina Faso
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Wrexhamvs.Wycombe

sportsmole.co.uk, 8 August 2024, 21:58
Newly promoted Wrexham will get their League One campaign underway when they welcome Wycombe Wanderers to Racecourse Ground on Saturday.

Wrexham are competing in the third tier for the first time since 2004-05, while the visitors are featuring in their fourth consecutive League One season.

Match preview

After clinching back-to-back promotions, Wrexham will be targeting another memorable season under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The Red Dragons collected 88 points in last season's League Two campaign to finish in second place and end their 20-year for League One football.

With the third tier set to provide a difficult test, Wrexham have made a number of additions ahead of the new season, recruiting Arthur Okonkwo, Callum Burton, Dan Scarr, Lewis Brunt, Sebastian Revan and George Dobson.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson would have been encouraged by his team's results in pre-season, including draws against Bournemouth and Chelsea in their tour of the USA and Canada.

They wrapped the pre-season tour with a 4-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps, before they returned home to claim a narrow 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town, ensuring they will take some momentum into their league opener against Wycombe.

Wycombe will expect to operate in the top half of the League One table after finishing in sixth, ninth and 10th positions over the last three seasons.

Last season's 10th-place finish was a result of Wycombe's form in the second half of the campaign, with the Chairboys collecting 40 points from their final 23 matches.

Wycombe have added plenty of new faces to their squad since the end of last term, signing Nathan Bishop, Daniel Harvie, Alex Hartridge, Tyreeq Bakinson, Brody Peart, Daniel Udoh and Jaiden Bartolo.

Manager Matt Bloomfield will be hoping his side can pick up from where they left off last season after finishing the 2023-24 campaign with a seven-game unbeaten run.

Although they have not faced Wrexham since March 2008, the Chairboys may still be able to draw inspiration from the fact they have avoided defeat in each of their last four head-to-head meetings.

Wrexham pre-season form:

Wycombe Wanderers pre-season form:

Team News

Wrexham are unable to call upon star striker Paul Mullin, who underwent minor surgery earlier this summer to resolve a long-term lower-back and hamstring issue.

The Red Dragons could also go into the league opener without the services of defender Jacob Mendy and forward Steven Fletcher.

Fresh from signing a new contract, James McClean is likely to line up as the left wing-back while Ryan Barnett is set to operate on the opposite flank.

Meanwhile, Bishop, Harvie, Hartridge and Bakinson are among the new signings who could make their competitive debuts for Wycombe on Saturday.

Hartridge could form a central defensive partnership with Joe Low, while Jack Grimmer and Harvie are set to operate as the two full-backs.

Richard Kone may be given the chance to lead the line, but Bloomfield does have several alternative options in Udoh, Bartolo and Sam Vokes.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Cleworth, O'Connell, O'Connor; Barnett, Dobson, Cannon, Lee, McClean; Marriott, Dalby

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Bishop; Grimmer, Hartridge, Low, Harvie; Scowen, Butcher, Bakinson; McCleary, Sadlier, Kone

We say: Wrexham 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers

Previews by email
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Hoffenheimvs.Fulham
Hoffenheim are set to play Premier League side Fulham in a pre-season friendly at PreZero Arena on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Goteborgvs.Varnamo
Two sides looking to escape the relegation zone will clash when IFK Goteborg welcome Varnamo to Gamla Ullevi in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Yverdon Sportvs.Young Boys
Reigning Swiss Super League champions Young Boys will be looking to secure their first win of the season when they travel to face Yverdon Sport at the Stade Municipal on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Norrkopingvs.Vasteras
Seeking to secure a fourth win on the bounce for the first time since August 2023, IFK Norrkoping play host to Vasteras SK at PlatinumCars Arena in round 18 of the Allsvenskan on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sionvs.Winterthur
Looking to quickly put behind their first blemish of the season, Sion will host FC Winterthur at Stade Tourbillon in the fourth round of the 2024-25 Swiss Super League.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Roma
Sean Dyche's Everton are set to play Serie A side Roma in a pre-season friendly at Goodison Park on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bristol Roversvs.Northampton
Bristol Rovers and Northampton will begin their latest League One campaigns on Saturday, when they do battle at the Memorial Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Crawleyvs.Blackpool
Recently-promoted Crawley Town's 2024-25 League One season is set to begin on Saturday, when they face Blackpool at Broadfield Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Feyenoordvs.Willem II
Aiming to go one better than a runners-up finish last time out, Feyenoord will raise the curtain on their 2024-25 Eredivisie journey on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Willem II at De Kuip.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Peterboroughvs.Huddersfield
Peterborough United and Huddersfield Town will both kick off their League One promotion bids on Saturday, when they square off at the Weston Homes Stadium in their third-tier curtain-raiser.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Burton Albionvs.Lincoln
Burton Albion will get the 2024-25 League One campaign underway with a home clash against Lincoln City on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wiganvs.Charlton
In the opening round of fixtures in the 2024-25 League One campaign, Charlton Athletic will travel north to take on Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
B. Leverkusenvs.Betis
Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis conclude pre-season with Saturday's friendly match at BayArena.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Newcastlevs.Brest
Newcastle United conclude their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Brest at St James' Park on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Viking FKvs.Bodo/Glimt
Arguably the pick of the gameweek 18 fixtures in the Norwegian Eliteserien will come from SR-Bank Arena where Viking FK will be playing host to Bodo/Glimt on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ipswichvs.Nice
Ipswich Town conclude their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Nice at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Haugesundvs.HamKam
Two sides in desperate need of a positive result in the Eliteserien will meet on Saturday afternoon when FK Haugesund take on HamKam at Haugesund Sparebank Arena.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.Bayern
Tottenham Hotspur could see as many as four first-team players return to the matchday squad for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
PSVvs.RKC Waalwijk
Reigning Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven kick off their title defence with a clash against RKC Waalwijk at the Philips Stadion on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.Bayern
Tottenham Hotspur conclude their pre-season preparations in North London with another friendly encounter against Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Will Casemiro leave Man United for the Saudi Pro League this summer?
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have allegedly cooled their interest in Casemiro, with the experienced midfielder potentially now remaining with Manchester United until at least January 2025.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Record-breaking Portugal legend announces retirement from football
Veteran centre-back Pepe has announced his retirement from professional football.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fenerbahcevs.Adana Demirspor
After last term's near miss, Fenerbahce begin this season's Turkish Super Lig title chase against Adana Demirspor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'in discussions' over potential deals for midfield duo
Burnley's Sander Berge and Monaco's Youssouf Fofana are reportedly being considered by Manchester United as potential midfield signings before the end of the summer transfer window.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leedsvs.Portsmouth
Leeds United will kick off their Championship campaign when they welcome newly-promoted Portsmouth to Elland Road on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Rangersvs.Motherwell
Rangers are set to take on Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in the second matchday of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership campaign, both aiming to build early season momentum.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Stevenagevs.Shrewsbury
In the opening matchday of the 2024-25 League One season, Stevenage will play host to Shrewsbury Town at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday with both aiming to get off to a winning start.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Antalyasporvs.Goztepe SK
Antalyaspor welcome newly promoted Goztepe SK to the Antalya Stadium on Saturday in gameweek one of the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig season.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brightonvs.Villarreal
Brighton & Hove Albion will be looking to make it a perfect pre-season when they round off their preparations for the 2024-25 campaign with a clash against Villarreal on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Ten Hag provides update on club's summer activity
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag refused to give too much away when questioned about the club's transfer plans during his press conference ahead of Saturday's Community Shield.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Reus to LA Galaxy, Trafford to Newcastle
Los Angeles Galaxy are reportedly set to announce the signing of former Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Man Utd
Manchester United could be without the services of six defenders for Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City, with decisions on four players set to be made on Friday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona 'refusing to give up' on deal for Euro 2024-winning star
Barcelona are reportedly 'refusing to give up' on a possible deal for Nico Williams despite Athletic Bilbao seemingly convincing the attacker to remain at San Mames.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dundeevs.Hearts
In the second game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Hearts will travel to the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park to face up against Dundee, with both teams searching for their first win.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Birminghamvs.Reading
Back in the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years, Birmingham City will commence their League One campaign as Reading visit St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Hamvs.Celta Vigo
West Ham United will conclude their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a friendly against Spanish outfit Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon.
Show more

Top News

21 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Torino vs. Udinese (Monday, 11.30am) Separated by one place in the Serie A table, Torino welcome Udinese to Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, aiming to create separation from the visitors in Easter Monday's gameweek 33 contest. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City are said to have decided to step up their interest in Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa in response to Ederson's injury. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly readied themselves for competition for £60m-rated Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, who is wanted by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool boss Arne Slot has slammed those who have questioned the commitment of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club amidst speculation he will join Real Madrid. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Federico Valverde scored a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid recorded a vital 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Sunday night's La Liga contest at Bernabeu. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leicester City have been relegated with not so much a whimper, but a feeble, miserable sigh. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Jamie Carragher believes Conor Bradley should be the starting right-back for Liverpool over Trent Alexander-Arnold until the summer. 20 April 2025 talksport.com If he is off to Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool with a priceless parting gift: victory and a magical memory. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Alejandro Garnacho's time at Manchester United could reportedly come to an end, with Atletico Madrid said to be the in the best position of three European clubs to secure his services. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bidding for their first Premier League double over Tottenham Hotspur in the 21st century, Nottingham Forest head to North London for an Easter Monday date with the Lilywhites. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reported to hold interest in signing teenage wonderkid Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, with the club keen to secure their future in a post-Mohamed Salah world. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain will continue in their pursuit of an unbeaten Ligue 1 season when they travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire to face Nantes on Tuesday night. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reported to be willing to spend in the region of £115m for the signature of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's 1-0 victory against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon means they need just one more win to be crowned Premier League champions. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leicester have finally been put out of their misery with their relegation from the Premier League being confirmed after defeat to Liverpool. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two La Liga teams in impressive form will lock horns at Mestalla for an intriguing match on Tuesday evening, with Valencia welcoming Espanyol. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka following Sunday's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has insisted that the manner of their 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon "does not change the season". 20 April 2025 talksport.com Former Liverpool forward Fernando Morientes revealed he was 'scared to death' after a spending five days in hospital. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian this summer. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City will be aiming to make it four wins from five in the Premier League when they welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad on Tuesday night. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Enzo Maresca's Chelsea climbed into the Premier League's Champions League spots when they beat derby rivals Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. 20 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a big week of European action, and talkSPORT are here to keep you up to date. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on his disbelief at Manchester City failing to offer him a new deal. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pep Guardiola has the option to make multiple changes to his Manchester City side when they welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad in the Premier League on Tuesday. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Marcus Rashford could return to the starting lineup when Aston Villa make the trip to his hometown to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Tuesday. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City and Aston Villa go head-to-head at the Etihad in the Premier League on Tuesday night in a crucial encounter in the race for Champions League qualification. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leif Davis has been slammed for a horror challenge on Bukayo Saka that sent Ipswich Town down to ten men. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has called for the club to sign a new left-back ahead of a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Sir Jim Ratcliffe was once again public enemy number one in the eyes of Manchester United fans ahead of their clash with Wolves.