The Racecourse Ground buzzed with anticipation on February 7, 2026, as Wrexham and Millwall locked horns in a Championship clash with playoff implications written all over it. Both sides entered the contest perched inside the top six, separated by just three points, and with a history of tightly contested battles behind them. The stakes? Nothing less than a firmer grip on those coveted playoff spots and, perhaps, a step closer to the Premier League dream.
Wrexham, riding a three-match unbeaten streak with recent victories over Sheffield Wednesday and QPR, had momentum firmly on their side. The Red Dragons, sixth in the table with 48 points, were eager to draw level with their fifth-placed visitors, Millwall, who had amassed 51 points. A win for the home side would not only boost their playoff credentials but also extend their impressive run since Christmas—a period in which they had racked up more wins and points than any other Championship club.
Millwall, for their part, were no strangers to resilience. Having lost just one of their last eight league outings, the Lions arrived in North Wales with confidence. Their recent form included a convincing home win over Charlton Athletic and a hard-fought draw against Sheffield United. The memory of a 2-0 defeat to Wrexham back in August, however, lingered, adding an extra layer of motivation for Alex Neil’s men. The Lions were determined to avenge that loss and, with a victory, potentially leap as high as third in the standings depending on other results.
Team news on the day saw Millwall’s manager Alex Neil make a notable change to his starting eleven. Barry Bannan earned his first start for the club, stepping in for Macaulay Langstaff, who dropped to the bench. Max Crocombe retained his spot between the posts, with Anthony Patterson and loanee Tommy Watson making the squad. The Lions lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Crocombe; Crama, Taylor, Cooper, Doughty; De Norre, Mitchell; Azeez, Bannan, Neghli; and Ivanovic. On the bench, options included Patterson, Sturge, Ballo, Langstaff, Leonard, Coburn, Watson, Cundle, and Mazou-Sacko.
Wrexham, managed by Phil Parkinson, countered with a 3-4-2-1 setup. Despite a string of injuries to key players—Zak Vyner, Lewis Brunt, Aaron James, and Danny Ward—the Red Dragons remained undeterred. Their squad depth would be tested, but with recent form on their side and home advantage, optimism ran high among the supporters who packed the Racecourse.
The opening half unfolded with both teams showing plenty of intent but little in the way of clear-cut chances. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with the match finely poised and tension mounting. Wrexham registered five shots, two of which were on target, while Millwall managed three efforts but failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper. Possession was a near dead heat, and expected goals (xG) told a similar story—Wrexham at 0.32, Millwall at 0.2792. The teams matched each other stride for stride, with both defenses holding firm and neither side able to seize the initiative.
Looking deeper into the stats, Wrexham’s attacking forays resulted in eight touches inside the Millwall box, mirrored by the visitors’ own tally of eight. Max Crocombe, Millwall’s keeper, was called upon to make two saves, while his opposite number had a quieter half. Set pieces offered little joy for either side, with Wrexham winning three corners to Millwall’s none. In the air, the Lions edged the contest with 12 aerial duels won to Wrexham’s 11, and both sides were disciplined, committing a combined total of just five fouls before the break.
It’s worth noting that this fixture marked the first time Wrexham had hosted Millwall in league play since April 2001—a match that ended 1-1 and secured promotion for the Lions. Since then, Millwall had managed only two wins in their last 16 league encounters with the Welsh club, drawing nine and losing five. The Red Dragons, meanwhile, had not only triumphed in the reverse fixture earlier in the season but also boasted six wins from their last eight league games, making them the Championship’s form team since Christmas.
Millwall’s own recent run—just one defeat in eight—set the stage for a true clash of in-form sides. The Lions’ defense had proven tough to break down, but they’d need to be wary of Wrexham’s knack for late drama. The Red Dragons had dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the division (20), yet also ranked third for most points recovered from losing positions (15). In other words, no lead was ever safe when Wrexham took the field.
Injuries undoubtedly played a role in shaping both squads. Wrexham’s list of absentees included several regular starters, forcing Parkinson to shuffle his pack and rely on squad players to step up. Millwall, too, had their share of injury woes, with Daniel Kelly, William Smallbone, Joe Bryan, and Benicio Baker-Boaitey all unavailable for selection. Such challenges only added to the intrigue, as both managers sought tactical solutions and fresh legs from the bench.
The match was officiated by referee Tim Robinson, supported by assistants Adrian Holmes and Richard West, with Alex Chilowicz acting as the fourth official. The atmosphere at the Racecourse was electric, with fans from both camps sensing just how much was riding on the outcome. For those unable to attend, the fixture was available for live streaming in the United States via Paramount+, with kickoff at 3:01 p.m. local time (10:01 a.m. EST).
As the second half beckoned, all signs pointed to a grandstand finish. Could Wrexham’s home form and recent momentum tip the scales? Or would Millwall’s experience and hunger for revenge prove decisive? With so much at stake in the playoff race, neither side could afford to blink.
For now, the action remains ongoing, with everything still to play for in this pivotal Championship encounter. Supporters on both sides will be glued to every pass, tackle, and shot as the playoff picture continues to evolve.