Wrexham AFC prepare to face Wigan Athletic this Sunday, with the match expected to spark excitement across League One. After triumphing over Blackpool on Boxing Day, Wrexham aim to extend their unbeaten streak at home, bringing the curtain down on 2024 with another strong performance.
Phil Parkinson, who has successfully guided Wrexham through two consecutive promotions since April, is set on achieving yet another ascent, as the team currently sits third on the League One table heading to this weekend’s match at STōK Cae Ras.
While Wrexham show great form, having six points from their last two games, the upcoming match bears significance, not only for the standings but also as Jonny Smith, the former Wrexham winger, returns to face his old club. Smith joined Wigan from Burton Albion after two seasons and is currently making waves on the pitch with his impressive performances.
Having risen through Wrexham’s youth ranks, Smith joined the club at the tender age of 10. He made just three first-team appearances for Wrexham before transferring to Bristol City, though he remained there without making any significant impact on the first squad.
Smith has had his career marked by loan spells across various clubs, including Cheltenham Town and Tranmere Rovers before finally finding footing at Wigan. After missing the first eight games of the current season, Smith has impressed, featuring prominently for Wigan and tallying up noteworthy contributions, including recent goals and assists.
His return will come with expectation, as fans will recall the comparisons once drawn between him and Gareth Bale. Smith expressed the weight of this comparison, stating, “I’m trying to live up to it!” It’s safe to say he aims to make his mark against Wrexham this time around.
Meanwhile, Wigan, enjoying decent form with seven points from their last three matches, will supply tough resistance. Their key defender Jason Kerr, who captains the side, will also be center stage. Having rejected Wrexham's overtures during the summer transfer window, Kerr will aim to showcase why Wigan decided to retain his services.
Both teams have shown resilience and talent recently, but Wrexham will try to take charge at home, armed with the momentum from their latest victory. Fans are eager to see if their team can maintain consistency as they push for another fulfilling end to the year.
The matchup is also positioned as more than just points on the line; the narrative surrounding former players like Smith and potential would-be signings like Kerr offers added layers of interest. The clash not only tests Wrexham's capabilities but significantly determines how Wigan could make waves this season.
Potential lineups see Wrexham continuing to rely on their key players like Paul Mullin, who continues to dazzle with performances, as they look for opportunities to capitalize on any openings presented by Wigan’s defense.
Wrexham remain optimistic, with this match marking another milestone as they potentially strive toward even bigger ambitions as the campaign progresses. The excitement is palpable as fans await kickoff, hopeful for their team to secure another victory against familiar foes.
With such talent on display, the match provides not just entertainment but also serves as a reminder of the history between these players and clubs, promising yet another chapter to their intertwined stories.