In a match that could have ramifications for both League One‘s race for promotion and fight for survival, Wrexham are set to host relegation-threatened Burton Albion at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday.
The Red Dragons boast the division’s best defensive record and will be looking to make it four wins from five this weekend, while the Brewers know that three points could lift them out of the drop zone.
Match preview
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Phil Parkinson‘s Wrexham have been in impressive form over the last month as they aim for automatic promotion to the Championship, and having lost just once since February, they will be full of confidence ahead of this weekend’s clash.
However, the Red Dragons dropped two points in a disappointing 2-2 draw with relegation contenders Cambridge United, and despite taking the lead in that match, the promotion hopefuls had to come from behind to walk away with anything at all.
That stalemate left Parkinson’s side second in League One with 78 points, though third-placed Wycombe Wanderers are only three behind, boast superior goal difference and have a game in hand over them.
With that in mind, it is imperative that Saturday’s hosts make the most of their clash against Burton, and with consecutive wins at home as well as three clean sheets on the bounce at the Racecourse Ground prior to the Brewers’ visit, they will be expecting to take all three points.
If Wrexham can extend their unbeaten run to five matches with another victory this weekend, then they could create a six-point cushion between themselves and the playoff spots, though defeat would give Wycombe the chance to take their place should they win away to Reading.
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Meanwhile, Gary Bowyer‘s Burton seemed destined for relegation at the turn of the year, but with seven wins, five draws and only five losses in 2025, they have given themselves some hope with seven games remaining.
The Brewers showed great fighting spirit to come from behind to win 2-1 against promotion-chasing Leyton Orient on Tuesday, when Charlie Webster and Rumarn Burrell scored twice in four second-half minutes to snatch a vital three points for their side.
That victory moved Bowyer’s men three points behind 20th-placed Bristol Rovers, and with a game in hand over the Gas as well as a significantly better goal difference, the boss will know that survival is within reach.
Additionally, Saturday’s visitors have won three of their five most recent away games – keeping three clean sheets in the process – and thanks to their comeback against the O’s, they will be feeling capable of performing against the Red Dragons despite the disparity in league position.
A remarkable triumph this weekend would be enough to take Burton clear of the relegation zone should results elsewhere prove favourable, but even avoiding defeat would put enormous pressure on Rovers before the Brewers play their spare fixture.
Team News
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Wrexham forwards Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith have combined well in recent weeks, so expect to see the duo start together up top once again with wing-backs Ryan Longman and James McClean providing width.
Elsewhere, a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Lewis Brunt will be looking to keep a fourth consecutive home clean sheet on Saturday, while Matty James patrols the centre of the park, flanked by George Dobson and Oliver Rathbone.
As for Burton, they may be without centre-back Ryan Sweeney this weekend after he was taken off with an injury at half time against Orient earlier this week.
If he is unable to take part, then Bowyer could turn to Jack Armer to join a backline featuring Udoka Godwin-Malife and Jason Sraha.
In attack, a strike partnership of top-scorer Rumarn Burrell and Julian Larsson will be hoping to fire their team out of the relegation zone with back-to-back wins against two of League One’s strongest sides.
Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Okonkwo; Cleworth, O’Connell, Brunt; Longman, Dobson, James, Rathbone, McClean; Rodriguez; Smith
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Godwin-Malife, Armer, Sraha; Lofthouse, Webster, Chauke, Dodgson; McKiernan; Larsson, Burrell
We say: Wrexham 2-1 Burton Albion
Wrexham enjoyed a strong March and they will be expecting another three points this weekend against one of the division’s relegation candidates.
However, Burton have improved this year and considering their away record, as well as their showing against Orient, they will make their hosts work for their points on Saturday.
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