Wrexham to host Preston in Championship match

Wrexham AFC will welcome Preston North End to the Racecourse Ground on Saturday afternoon for a Championship fixture between two teams seeking relief from difficult starts to the 2026/2027 season. Both clubs are positioned near the lower end of the table, with Wrexham sitting in 17th place and Preston occupying the bottom spot.

Wrexham, managed by Phil Parkinson, have collected 11 points from their opening ten matches, recording two wins, five draws, and three defeats. The team recently suffered a 2–1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, which increased pressure ahead of the upcoming match. Parkinson is expected to reshuffle his starting lineup, with Lewis O'Brien and Sam Smith among players who may return to the squad. However, Max Cleworth, Ben Sheaf, and Nathan Broadhead are expected to remain sidelined due to injury.

Preston North End, under new manager Graham Alexander, are struggling with a record of one win, one draw, and eight defeats in ten matches. The Lilywhites have scored eight goals and conceded 20, sitting four points adrift of safety. Their recent form includes a 4–0 defeat at Birmingham City on Tuesday, following a 1–0 loss to Millwall. The team faces injury concerns, with defender Harry Clarke ruled out after hyperextending his knee against Millwall and midfielder Liam Gibbs suffering a quadriceps injury.

The match is scheduled for the 11th matchday of the EFL Championship. Wrexham's previous home performance saw them let a lead slip late against West Brom, conceding twice in the closing stages. Both sides are desperate for points to change the shape of their respective seasons.