Gillingham v Wrexham: Latest team news ft Will Boyle and Jake Turner
FLW previews Wrexham’s trip to Gillingham in League Two this weekend
Wrexham will look to cement their place in the League Two automatic promotion places as they travel to play-off hopefuls Gillingham this Saturday.
Phil Parkinson’s side’s midweek victory over MK Dons saw them leapfrog Crewe Alexandra and back into the top three, but missed the opportunity to go one better after taking just a point from Stadium MK, remaining a point behind Mansfield Town.
The Gills sit outside the play-off places on goal difference alone after a cagey stalemate at Priestfield Stadium against league leaders Stockport County last weekend, and will be hopeful of continuing their excellent home record against the Welsh side.
Phil Parkinson faces defensive decision following MK Dons draw
The Red Dragons were boosted by the return of full-back Ryan Barnett after a knock against Notts County in the previous game, producing a late cameo against Mike Williamson’s side.
However, defender Will Boyle was dismissed with 13 minutes of the game remaining following a second bookable offence, his second sending off this term, meaning Parkinson will have to shuffle his defensive trio that has seen Wrexham win their last three league games.
It looks likely that Ben Tozer will come into the back three alongside Max Cleworth and Eoghan O’Connell, having featured 32 times already this season despite not featuring since the Red Dragons’ 1-0 defeat to Bradford City earlier in the month.
But Parkinson also has concerns in midfield, with the 56-year-old confirming that both Will Evans and James Jones’ injuries are worse than first feared, estimating the pair will be out for a considerable amount of time, which will prove to be a huge blow to their promotion aspirations.
Against the Dons, Andy Cannon retained his position in midfield and was accompanied by Luke Young and James McClean, while Elliot Lee joined the action in the second half.
Despite not being a regular starter this season, Young showcased his readiness and delivered an impressive performance on his 250th appearance for the club and will likely start the encounter this weekend.
Parkinson’s side was much changed for the trip to Milton Keynes, with the likes of Paul Mullin on the bench and Steven Fletcher not in the squad, with both hopeful of coming back into the starting line-up against The Gills.
