Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has demanded a response from his players ahead of their Championship meeting with league leaders Middlesbrough. His side travel to the Riverside on Wednesday sitting 18th in the standings, having lost 1-0 at Sheffield United on Saturday.
Parkinson stated his team needed to be very honest and self-analytical after the defeat at Bramall Lane. "I think there's decent honesty in the room," the Wrexham boss said. The loss was their second in a row without scoring, leaving them with three defeats, one draw and one win from their last five league games.
Wrexham failed to register a shot on target until a tame Sam Smith header in added time was saved. They made two substitutions at half-time in an attempt to change the game, but a first-half goal from Ben Brereton Diaz proved decisive. The result leaves them looking vulnerable ahead of a run of home fixtures, starting with the visit of the champions-elect. Parkinson confirmed the club is assessing a hamstring injury to defender Aaron Hayden, who was forced off in the first half at Sheffield United.
Wrexham's home record under pressure
Wrexham have yet to achieve back-to-back wins at home this season, a record that will be tested directly by Middlesbrough and then Wolves. Their most recent home outing was a 4-1 victory over Preston North End, but consistency has been elusive. Parkinson acknowledged the importance of the Racecourse Ground crowd for the upcoming challenge. "We need our supporters [against Middlesbrough]," he said.
Middlesbrough's winning momentum
Middlesbrough arrive in North Wales in imperious form, sitting four points clear at the top of the Championship with 28 points from 13 games. Their recent sequence reads WWDWW, including a comprehensive 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic last time out. Top scorer Will Lankshear, who has 13 goals this season, netted twice in that victory. Manager Michael Carrick reported a clean bill of health for his squad ahead of the trip, with no new injury concerns following the weekend's win.
The last meeting between the sides was a 1-0 win for Boro at the Riverside in early August, secured by a second-half strike from midfielder Hayden Hackney. Carrick's men will view the trip to face a struggling Wrexham side as a prime opportunity to extend their advantage at the summit. Carrick said.
Wednesday's match at the Racecourse Ground kicks off a key period for both clubs, with Middlesbrough aiming to maintain their title charge and Wrexham desperate to climb the table. The fixtures show Wrexham face a daunting schedule after Boro, with games against Wolves, Leeds United, and Sunderland all before the end of November.
