Wrexham vs. Latics

Latics face one of the two contenders for automatic promotion this weekend with a trip to with Racecourse Ground to play Wrexham.

It’s a considerable test for David Unsworth’s side against a team who have been the benchmark for the division throughout the season, but after the improvements of recent months, the fixture represents a chance to demonstrate the progress made. 

Latics have already faced the side from North Wales twice this season, falling to a late 2-1 defeat in Unsworth’s first home game as manager before defeat in the FA Cup. 

After a run of just two defeats in eight games and some excellent performances, there is every reason Latics should approach the match with confidence. 

The opposition 

As the season enters its final month, Wrexham are currently the favourites to secure the one automatic promotion spot from the National League. 

Phil Parkinson’s side occupy second place, sitting level with Notts County on 97 points, but have two games in hand on their rivals. 

The division’s two outstanding sides have been locked in a battle throughout the campaign and the race for the EFL seems likely to go to the wire. 

Wrexham have won their last four games and are unbeaten in 27 league games, since their defeat at Notts County in early October. 

The Dragons’ last six 

Wrexham 3-0 York City 

Bromley 1-2 Wrexham 

Wrexham 1-0 Southend 

Dagenham 0-4 Wrexham 

Maidenhead 2-2 Wrexham 

Wrexham 2-1 Chesterfield 

Watch out for 

With 39 goals so far this season in all competitions, striker Paul Mullin has been the spearhead of Wrexham’s promotion charge. 

The 28-year-old arrived from Cambridge in the summer of 2020 as a real mark of the Dragon’s intent and he hasn’t disappointed. 

He scored a double in the FA Cup win over Latics in November and has also hit two in the recent games against Bromley and Maidenhead. 

He also has three hat-tricks to his name this season and a match rarely passes without him finding the net. 

In the dugout 

The manager tasked with leading Wrexham’s push for the EFL, Phil Parkinson already has a number of promotions to his name. 

Taking Colchester into the Championship in 2006, he has also enjoyed success with Bolton and Bradford, the latter of whom he guided to an historic EFL Cup final ten years ago. 

Appointed Wrexham manager at the start of last season, he led them to a second-placed finish, losing dramatically to Grimsby in the play-off, as well as finishing as runners-up in the FA Trophy.

 

Match officials 

The man in the middle for this game is James Durkin, with Alan Hull and Emmanuel Edet taking up the lines. Richard Aspinall is the fourth official. 

Match coverage and information

Live audio commentary is available on Latics Player, guiding you through the match.

For more information, visit the Latics Player page by clicking here.

As this game is being played within the blocked broadcast hours stipulated by UEFA, live streaming will not be available through National League TV for supporters in the UK. The game will be available overseas.

Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC