Wrexham is set to visit Lincoln City in a match that serves as a celebratory occasion for Phil Parkinson and the Dragons, having officially secured promotion to the Championship for the upcoming season. This remarkable achievement marks their third consecutive promotion under Parkinson`s leadership. While the Premier League remains a future ambition, bridging the gap between the Championship and the top flight is acknowledged as a significantly tougher challenge than their previous promotions.
With increased investment accompanying each step up the league pyramid, Wrexham has successfully adapted and refreshed its squad. As the season concludes, there`s particular interest in how Parkinson will line up his team, especially concerning players who have featured less this term, such as Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer. This final game could be an opportunity to recognize players who have been instrumental in the club`s journey over the past four years, ensuring a festive atmosphere for the traveling fans in Lincolnshire.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3
- Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Location: LNER Stadium — Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Odds: Lincoln City +180; Draw +225; Wrexham +135
Previous Encounter
These two sides last met in November at the Racecourse Ground. Lincoln City put up a strong fight, but Wrexham ultimately secured a narrow 1-0 victory. The match was evenly balanced for large periods, with the deciding goal coming in the 67th minute via an own goal conceded by defender Tendayi Darikwa. This result proved crucial for Wrexham`s promotion push.
Manager`s Comments
Addressing recent speculation regarding the futures of Palmer and Mullin, Phil Parkinson clarified the situation and praised his squad`s collective effort.
“First of all, everyone`s made a contribution,” Parkinson stated. “What level that has been doesn`t matter because everybody`s been together and contributed. Of course, there`s always players who would have liked to have played more. Equally, contributions can come in many forms, so I`m delighted with everybody as a group.”
He specifically commented on the two strikers: “Mulls and Ollie will always be legends at this club for what they`ve done. They`re under contract next year and they`ll be back in preseason ready to go again.”
Given that Mullin`s season was partly hampered by a back injury, it`s logical for Wrexham to want to see if he can rediscover his top goal-scoring form in preseason. His record of scoring 24 or more goals in the three consecutive seasons before League One highlights his value, as finding prolific goalscorers is notoriously difficult.
Pathway to the Premier League?
While it`s exciting to consider the possibility, aiming for the Premier League immediately might be getting ahead of things. Wrexham`s primary goal in their first Championship season will likely be to consolidate their position and avoid relegation. Looking further ahead, the age profile of the current squad presents a challenge; most key players are 30 or older, with younger exceptions like Max Cleworth, Thomas O`Connor, and Lewis Burnt. This suggests a significant squad rebuild or evolution will be necessary if the upward trajectory is to continue.
Coming from non-league football (the National League), it`s exceptionally rare for a core group of players to make the journey all the way to the Premier League. This is where strategic investment becomes critical. However, being in the Championship opens up opportunities for shrewd loan signings, allowing Wrexham to strengthen the squad with talent without needing massive transfer outlays. The road ahead is undoubtedly long, with achieving stability in the second tier being the immediate priority before any future Premier League aspirations can be seriously pursued.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Lincoln City:
George Wickens, Sean Roughan, Adam Jackson, Paudie O`Connor, Tendayi Darikwa, Ethan Erhahon, Erik Ring, Ben House, Ethan Hamilton, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, James Collins
Wrexham:
Arthur Okonkwo, Dan Scarr, Max Cleworth, Eoghan O`Connell, Ryan Barnett, Elliott Lee, Mattie James, Oliver Rathbone, James McLean, Sam Smith, Paul Mullin
Match Prediction
Wrexham is expected to bring their celebratory mood on the road and secure a victory in the season`s final match. Despite a challenging individual season, look for their talismanic striker, Paul Mullin, to find the back of the net and help the Dragons end the campaign on a high note.
Predicted Score: Lincoln City 1, Wrexham 2
